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HISTORY 

/ 



OP THE 

UNITED STATES 

OP 
WITH A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF SOME OP TflTE 

PRINCIPAL EMPIRES AND STATES 

OP 

AXCIEJ^T AND MODERN TIMES. 
rOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES. 



BY A CITIZEN OF MASSACHUSETTS 



STEREOTYPE EDITION, CORRECTED AND IMPROVED; 

WITH 

QUESTIONS, 

Adapted to the History of tbe United States, and the Compendiui35^ 
of Empires and States. 



STEREOTYPED B 



Y M. WALLIS, ?fEW-¥ORk.^ ' '^ r- 



KEENE, [N, % . . 

PUBLISHED BY JOHN PRlfei^ 

Proprietor of the Copy Right 

1822. 



J 
District of Nkw-Hampshire — To icii. 
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the twenty -fourth day of July, 
in the forty-fifth year of the Independence of the United States of 
America, John Prentiss, of the said District, hath deposited in this 
Office the title of a book, the right whereof lie claims as proprietor, in 
the woi'ds following, to wit : 

" HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ; with 
a brief account of some of the Principal Empires and States of 
Ancient and Modern Tuies.^— For the use of Schools and Families. 
By a Citizen of Massachusetts." 

In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled 
'' An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of 
Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of stich co- 
pies, during the times therein mentioned." 

PEYTON R. FREEMAN, 
Clerk of the District of JVeio- Hampshirej^ 
A true copy of record, 

.iltest, PEYTON R. FREEMAN. Clerk. 



PREFACE. 



IN the compilation of this History of the individual States, 
and the general History of the United States when they act- 
ed in concert, I have encountered a task far more difficult and 
laborious than I had imagined before trial. Among about 
thirty volumes which I consulted during the progress of the 
work, I frequently found dates and statements quite variant 
from each other. In some few instances I could only be go- 
verned by a majority of authors, unless I could appeal to the 
Annals of America, by Dr. Hollies ; on whom he that de- 
pends may almost ever feel safe ; as he spent much time in 
their compilation, and had by far the greatest resources in 
books and manuscripts of any author who has written on the 
History of America. 

I have also found much discrimination necessary, in tha 
history of the individual States, in selecting either the most in- 
teresting or most important items. My best judgment has, 
however, been diligently and lalDoriously exercised in the ex- 
ecution of this task : nor shall I hesitate to claim, what I know 
is my due, the credit of never slightly examining 5 but assidu- 
ously investigating, till confident of the correctness of my 
statements, so far as reliaiice could be placed on the authors 
before me. 

To me it has long appeared singular that, while our schools 
abound with a variety of reading books for children and youth, 
there has never yet appeared a compendious History of the 
United States fitted for our common schools ; than which I 
scarcely know of a work more needed. Instead of those books 
usually read in our schools, consisting of detached pieces on va- 
rious subjects, would not a work like the following more en- 
gage the attention and interest the feelings ; and would it not 
be of far greater utility ? Or, if the former are retained, ought 
the latter to be neglected ? 

By reading of a history like the present, no inconsiderable 



■seiiianHHHiHi 



IV PREFACE. 

general knowledge may be obtained of the story of our fathers : 
yet how many are there almost entirely ignorant of the " tales 
of other times," as they relate to our own country, whose igno- 
rance would be removed by the introduction, into our more 
humble seminaries, of a correct, succinct accoimt, of the princi- 
pal events which have marked the footsteps of our prosperity, 
from the lowly and desponding vale of struggle and obscurity, 
to the already lofty and brilliant heights of wealth, of happi- 
ness, and of power. 

I have added a very compendious account of some of the 
principal empires of ancient and modern times. To have 
noticed the minor states of former or recent days would have 
been to swell this performance beyond the size intended ; nor 
should I have known where with propriety to pause. The 
Chronological Table cannot fail to attract the attention of 
youthful minds. The Constitution of the United States ought 
not only to be studied in our schools, but should find a place 
on every family shelf; with the Bible and the catechism. 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 



the President of Harvard Universiti/, and Dr. Holmes of Cam- 
bridge. 

The design of 5'our work we entirely approve. Our children and 
youth want a brief history of our own country within the limits of a 
school book. Your History supplies this deficiency ; and, with a few 
exceptions — which may be corrected in this or a future edition — ap- 
pears justly entitled to commendation and encouragement. 

J. T. KIRKLAND, 
A. HOLMES. 
Cambridge, Sept. 4, 1820. 



From the Preceptor of Monson, (Mass.) Academy. 

MONSON, Aug. 26, 1820. ' 
Sir— I have perused with attention your " History of the Unite r> 
States," and am free to say that I consider it a compilation of distin- 
guished merit — a judicious selection of interesting facts. The plan 
you have pursued and the manner in which it is executed cannot fail 
of meeting the approbation of every candid mind. 

A work of this kind has been veir much wanted in our academies and 
common schools ; and by publishing this treatise you will render an 
important and acceptable service to our country. This work, I doubt 
not, will be gratefully received by an enlightened community, and raett 
that patronage which it merits. 

ROBERT RIDDLE. 



From the Rev. F. Foster, late Minister of Petersham, Mass. 

BRIMFIELD, Sept. 6, 1820. 

Sir — I have examined your " History of the United States," 
which you was pleased to submit to my inspection, and am happy to 
say that, in my opinion, you have selected such facts as are most profit- 
able to be known by the rising generation, and related them with that 
simplicity and per.spicuity of style which ought to characterize a work 
designed for the use of schools. I cannot, therefore, doubt that your 
labours for the benefit of our youth will be duly appreciated by the 
public, and that your book will not only find a welcome reception into 
our schools and academies, but be extensively circulated among our 
citizens. 

With the assurance of my best wishes for the success of this and 
every attempt to facilitate the acquisition of useful knowledge, 
1 am, sir, yo«r humble servant, 

f ESTUS FOSTim. 



■HP 



6 RECOMMENDATIONS. 

From Dr. Daniel Mams, Author of the " Scholar's Arithmetic," " Tho- 
rough Scholar," " Geography, or a description of the World," <^c. 

History has been defined " a record of facts for the instruction of 
mankind." Its utility, therefore, must be obvious. The study of geo- 
graphy, which is now pretty generally introduced into our schools, will 
prepare the way for that of history ; and I doubt not but the time is 
fast approaching when no scholar will be considered as having com- 
pleted a good common school education, who is left ignorant of the 
history of his country. With these impressions on my mind, I apprc- 
iiend, that the '' IJisTOEy or the Unitej> States, designed for the 
use of schools," which you propose publishing, will be found to be 
boih seasonable and useful. 

DANIEL ADAMS. 

Mouid-Ve-rmn, N. H. August, 1^0. 



From the Kew-York Evening Post. 

Literary Intelligence. — A book has been put into our hands, with a 
request that we would examine it and speak of it according as in our 
judgment its merits v/ould warrant. It is entitled, " The Histori/ nf 
the United States, 8^c. for the use nf Schools and families,'" second edi- 
tion. Published by John Prentiss, pp. 210. 

We have not been able to examine with critical minuteness, the con- 
tents of this little work, but we have cursorily p^erused it. The subject 
itself, the main purpose for V.hich it is intended, and the cliaracter and 
circumstances of its late author, v/iio was personally known to us as 
a man of genius, a scholar, a poet, and a wit, are calculated to create 
much interest and expectation. We have found it what it professes to 
be, a vei'y useful work for the use of schools, and a convenient manual, 
to v/hich occasional recurrence may be had by any gentleman. 

Among the many authoritative recommendations which follow the 
preface, we observe one from the President of Harvard University, Mr. 
kirkland, and Dr. Holmes of Cambridge ; and several from the Pre- 
ceptor of Monson Academy, and other distin.guished scholars in Mas- 
sachusetts. A letter to the author from the Rev. F Foster, says, " 1 
have examined your '■ History of the United States," and am happy 
to say that in my opinion, you have selected such facts as are most pro- 
fitable to be known by the rising generation, and related them with that 
simplicity and perspicuity of style which ought to characterize a work 
ilesigned for the use of schools." 

The book closes with interesting questions adapted to the history of 
the United States, peculiarly suitable to the work. In time, I doubt 
not this interesting work, will make its way into our schools by the side 
of Whelpley and Sampson. 



From the JV*. Y. Evening Journal 

We have read with attention, the History of tjeie United States, 
spoken of in the foregoing extract from the Evening Post, and can 
bear testimony to its value, as containing a greater mass of facts rela- 
tive to the history of our country, than any other book, calculated for 
the use of schools, which has yet appeared. 



m 



CHAPTER I.— Page 13. 

First Settlement of Virginia and Xew-England. 

Preliminary remarks ; Discovery of America ; Discovery of the North - 
ern Continent by Cabot ; Queen Elizabeth's letters patent to Gilbert 
and Raleigh ; Unsuccessful attempt to settle Virginia ; Tobacco •, 
Gosnold discovers Cape Cod ; Settlement at Jamestown, Virginia ; 
Captain Smith a prisoner ; saved by Pocahontas ; Chcsapeak bay 
explored ; Plot of the Indian? ; revealed by Pocahontas ; Pocahon- 
tas seized : her marriage ; Women sent to V^irginia for wives ; sohi 
for tobacco; Slavery introduced •, Northern voyage of Captain Smith j 
Unsuccessful attempt to settle New-England ; Rev. Mr. Robin- 
son's flock 3 Settlement at Plymouth ; Formed into a body politic ; 
Intercourse v/ith the Indian's ^ Deaths of the Company ; New ar- 
rivals : Settlement at Portsmouth and Dover; at Salem; Massa- 
chusetts colony ; Arrival of Winthrop ; Representatives chosen ; 
Ann H'atchinson; theological dissensions ; Massacre in Virginia by 
the Indians ; Virginia company relinquish to the king. 



CHAPTER Il.—Page 33. 

MainCj XeTi^-Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecti- 
cut and Rhode-Island. 

Ineffectual attempt to settle Maine ; Charter to Gorges; separation 
from Massachusetts proper ; First settlement of New-Hampshire ; 
Settlement of Exeter ; Separation from Massachusetts ; Union witii, 
and siibsequent separation from Massachusetts ; Offensive and de- 
fensive union of the New-England States ; Indian war"; Defence 
of Number Four ; Internal commotions ; Dartmouth College ; 
King Philip's war ; Alliance with the Narragansetts ; General ris- 
ing of the Indians throughout New-England ; Defeat of the Narra- 



mmmmammmmm 



8 CONTENTS. 

g^ansetts ; Defeat of the Indians and death of Philip ; Forfeiture of 
the charter of Massachusetts ; Arrival of Andros j Andros seized ; 
Charter resumed ; Ncav charter granted ; Attack and surrender of 
Louisburg j Disappointment of a French fleet ; Insurrection in 
Massachusetts ; Its suppression ; Settlement of Connecticut ; Arri- 
val of Winthrop ; War with the Pequots ; Their defeat ; New-Ha- 
ven Colony ; Forms of government ; Charter of Charles the second ; 
Secretion of the charter from Andros ; Yale College ; Territorial 
disputes ; Roger Williams moves to Rhode-Island ; settles Provi- 
dence ; Settlement of Newport ; Religiovis toleration ; Charter 
granted the Earl of Warwick; Charter of Charles the second ; 
Rhode-Island deprived of its charter ; Charter reassumed ; Brown 
University' . 



CHAPTER III.— Page 62. 

N.ew-Yorki New- Jersey^ Ddaii)are, Pennsylvania^ and 

Maryland. 

Discovery of the river Hudson ; Settlement of the Dutch at Manhat* 
tan ; Submission to the English ; Reassumption of the Dutch ; In.- 
dian war ; Disputes with Connecticut ; Grant of Charles ihe second 
to his brother the Duke of York ; Manhattan surrendered to the 
English ; Called New-York ; taken by the Dutch ; Again surren- 
dered to the English ; Papal ascendency ; Leiiler and his party ; 
Death of Leisler ; Fletcher's attempt to command the militia of Con- 
necticut ; Fruitless enterprize against Canada,; Congress at Alba- 
ny ; Settlement of New-Jersey ; Division of the province ; Burling- 
ton, settled; Purchase of Penn ; Barkley appointed Governor ; The 
(government surrendered to the Crown ; Union of the provinces ; 
Princeton College ; settlement of Delaware by the Swedes and Fins ; 
Victory of the Dutch ; Surrender to the English ; Granted to 
Pennsylvania ; partial separation from Pennsylvania ; Made a sepa- 
rate province ; Patent to William Penn ; Settlement of Philadelphia; 
Form of government ; New charter granted by Perm ; a second^ 
and third ; Emission of paper money ; Indian grants of land ; Li- 
brary ; Relinquishment of Penn's heirs ; Clayborne settles on Kent 
Island ; Patent of Maryland to Lord Baltimore ; Settlement of St. 
Mary's; General Assembly ; Indian war; Rebellion of Clayborne ; 
Civil wari Seat of government removed to Aunapolie. 



CONTENTS 9 



CHAPTER IV.— Page 84. 

Virginia^ North and South-Carolina^ Georgia, Kentucky. 
Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, Illinois 
Alabama, Michigan, Missouri, Arkansas and Florida. 

Episcopacy established in Virginia ; Inquietude of the people ; Rebel- 
lion of Bacon ; he obtains a commission by compulsion ; he usurps 
the government ; he dies, and the rebellion is suppressed ; Culpep- 
per's administration ; William and Mary college ; Birth of Washing- 
ton ; Amidas and Barlow land in Carolina ; Reception of them by 
the Indians ; permanent settlements ;, Constitution ; Constitution of 
Locke ; Ch arleston laid out j Insurrection 5 New seat for Charleston ; 
Locke's Constitution abandoned ; Introduction of rice } Attack oii 
St. Augustine ; Indian war ; Charleston attacked ; defeat of the 
Spanish ; War with the Indians ', Bank ;. Another Indian war ; 
Dissensions; Division into North and South Carolina; Negro in- 
surrection ; Regulators ; Charter of incorporation for Georgia ; Set- 
tlement of Savannah ; Regulations ; Emigrations ; slow progress 
of population ; Unsuccessful attempt to reduce St. Augustine ; Inva- 
sion of the Spaniards ; Military skill of Oglethorpe ; retreat of the 
Spanish ; The government relinqixished to the Crown ; prosperity ; 
Kentucky explored by Colonel Boone ; Lexington laid out ; dis- 
membered froni Virgina ; made a separate state, and admitted into 
the union ; Name of Tennessee ; failure in first attempting a settle- 
ment ; subsequent success ; defeat of the Indians ; soil ceded to Con- 
gress ; admitted an- independent state into the union ; Settlement of 
Ohio by Rufus Putnam ; admission into the union ; antiquities ; 
Discovery of Louisiana ; failure of the Spanish in attempting to de- 
stroy the Missouri settlement ; massacre at Natches by the Indians ; 
destruction of the Natches tribe ; the country ceded to Spain, 
cession to Great Britain ; to France, by the treaty of St. Ildefonso , 
Purchase and possession by the United States. 



CHAPTER V.~PageI24. 

French and Indian War. 

Ohio Company ; threat of the French Governor of Canada ; encroach- 
ments of the French ; Washington sent to the Ohio ; military expe- 
dition under Washington ; plans of a campaign ; conquest of Aca- 

A 2 



10 CONTENTS^ 

die; Braddock's defeat; Crown Point; Campaign of 1756 — of 
1757 — cff 1758; Surrender of Louisburg, &&C, ; ^.nd of Fort du 
Qnesne ; campaig-n of 1759; proceedings of Amherst ; fall of Nia* 
g^ara ; fall of Quebec ; death of Wolfe and Montcalm ; Levi's at- 
tempt to regain Quebec; surrender of Montreal; complete conquest 
of Canada; Peace. 



CHAPTER VI.— Page 138. 

The Revolution, 

Commencement of the causes Avhich led to the Revolution ; Colonial 
Congress ; Opposition to the stamp act ; Its repeal ; Imposition of 
new duties by parliament ; Opposition of the colonies ; Repeal of 
the duties, excepting on tea ; Affray of March 5th, 1770; Destruc- 
tion of tea in Boston ; Boston port bill ; Meeting of Congress ; En- 
sagemcnts at Lexington and Concord ; Surrender of Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point ; Battle of Bunker's hill ; Washington appointed 
eommander in chief; He arrives at Carabvidge ; Surrender of fort 
3t. Johns, and Montreal ; Unsuccessful attack of Quebec ; Death of 
Montgomery ; Burning of Norfolk, by lord Dunmore ; Boston evacu- 
ated ; Declaration of Independence ; Engagement on Long-Island, 
Retreat from the- Island ; Forts Washington and Lee surrendered 
to the British ; General despondency ; Capture of the Hessians at 
Trenton; Battle of Brandy wine ; Howe enters Philadelphia; Battle 
of Germantown ; Battle of Bennington ; Surrender of the British 
army under Burgoyne ; Treaty of Alliance with France ; Battle of 
Monmouth ; Savannah surrendered to the British ; Ineffectual at- 
tempt to recover Savannah ; Stoney Point taken by Wayne ; Penob- 
fcotexpeditiqn; Defeat of the Five Nations ; Surrender of Charles- 
ton to Clinton ; Battle of Camden ; and of King's Mountain ; Trea- 
son of Arnold ; Fate of Andre ; Predatory warfare of Arnold in 
Virginia ; Battle of Cowpens ; Battle of Guilford ; Battle of Eutaw 
Springs ; Surrender of the British army under Cornwallis ; New- 
London burnt by Arnold ; Naval engagement in the West Indies; 
Commissioners appointed to negotiate a peace ; Peace concluded j 
Army disbanded ; Washington's resignation. 



CONTENTS H 



CHAPTER VII.— Page 169. 

JVcffi) Constitution — Its Administrations— War with Great 
Britain— Peace, 

Incompetency of the National Government ; Meeting of deputies 
at Annapolis j National Convention to form a new constitution ; 
Constitution adopted by the states ; Washington elected Presi- 
dent ; Meeting of Congress at New-York ; Government organixed ; 
Funding of the national, and assumption of the state debts ; Inter- 
nal taxes ; National Bank ; Cause of parties ', Indian war ) appor- 
tionment of Representatives } Defeat of St. Clair by the Indians ; 
Forces raised ; Washington rechosen President ; War on the con- 
tinent of Europe ; Proclamation of neutrality ; Arrival of Genet ; 
His deportment ; Democratic societies ; Commercial resolutions ; 
Algerine captures ; The building of frigates ; Difficulties with En- 
gland ; Genet recalled ; Wayne's victory; Pennsylvania insurrec- 
lion ; Treaty with England ; with Algiers ; with the Indians ; and 
with Spain ; Ministers sent to France ; Death of Washington ; Mr 
Jefferson's administration ; Tripolitan war ; Burr's conspiracy ; 
Chesapeak and Leopard ; French and British Edicts ; Arrange- 
ment with Ermine ; Mr. Jackson's correspondence ; Measures pre- 
paratory to a Avar with Great Britain ; Declaration of war ; Mobia 
Baltimore > Capture of the Guerriere ; Hull's surrender ; Battle of 
- Queenston ; Capture of the Frolic ; the Macedonian ; and Java ; 
Battle at the Raisin ; Capture of the Peacock ; Battle and taking of 
York ; Fort Meigs ; Loss of the Chesapeak ; Victory on Lake Erie ; 
Loss of the Essex ; Capture of the Epervier ; Battle of Chippe- 
wa ; Possession of Washington by the British ; Plunder of Alex- 
andria ; Fort Erie defended ', Naval victory on Lake Champlain , 
Defeat of the British at Plattsburg ; Fleets on Lake Ontario > Hart- 
ford Convention ; Loss of the President } Battle of New-Orleans } 
Peace. 



12 CONTENTS. 

EiMPIRES AND STATES. — ANCIENT AND MODERN. 

Page 

Assyria and Syria - - - - - ^- 208 

Egypt - - 209 

Persia - ----..- 210 

Greece - - - - -- -- ib. 

Rome - --,--.. 212 

Carthage - - - - - . - - - 213 

China 1-- - -"« - . 215 

Tartary - ------. jb. 

Ilindostan - - --- - - - 216 

France - ------» it>. 

Spam 218 

Germany - -----«. 219 

Hussia - -- 220 

England -------- Jb, 

Sovereigns of England, France, &c. - - . 225 

Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the United States 225 

Chronological Table - . - . . 227 

Census of the U. States -- - - - 231 

Constitution of the U. States - - - - 233 

Questions on the History of the U. States - - 249 

Questions on the Compendium - ^ - - 2^3 



SKETCH 

OF THE 
OF THE 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



CHAPTER I. 

First Settlement of Virginia and New-England. 

Preliminary remarks — Discovery of America — Discovery of the North- 
ern Continent by Cabot — Queen Elizabeth's letters patent to Gilbert 
and Raleigh — Unsuccessful attempt to settle Virginia — Tobacco — 
Gosnold discovers Cape Cod — Settlement at Jamestown ^ Virginia — 
Captain Smith a prisoner — saved by Pocahontas — Chesapeak bay 
explored — Plot of the Indians ; revealed by Pocahontas — Pocahon- 
tas seized : her marriage — Women sent to Virginia for wives ; sold 
for tobacco — Slavery introduced^^ — Northern voyage of Captain Smith 
— Unsuccessful attempt to settle New-England — Rev, Mr. Robin- 
son's flock — Settlement at Plymouth — ^Formed into a body politic — 
Intercourse with the Indians — Deaths of the Company — New ar- 
rivals — Settlement at Portsmouth and Dover — at Salem — Massa- 
chusetts colony — ^Arrival of Winthrop — Rfepyesentatives chosen^ — 
Ann Hutchinson :. theological dissensions — Massacre in Virginia by 
the Indians — Virginia company relinquish to the king-. 

THE overthrow of ancient dynasties, the establish- 
ment of recent, or other most important revolutions in 
an empire, can have but an inconsiderable effect, com- 
pared with the stupendous events that have resulted, and 
that must hereafter result, from the discovery of Ameri- 
ca by Columbus. 

The consequences of the greatest victories have ge- 
nerally been neither an accession to human happiness, nor 
an increase of the human race; but rather a diminution 
of both, or a mere change of masters. Far otherwise 
in all human probability, must eventually be the bene- 



' jfiiiiiwiBiiu Jill— iu , r-^-.xr-,?';-''- — ' — r-J^^m 



14 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ficial effects arising from the discovery of the western 
world. 

In South America, when we consider how much lon- 
ger time has elapsed since its first invasion, conquest and 
settlement principally by the Spaniards, than since the 
first permanent setdements in North America, it must 
be confessed that the progress of refinement, the diffu- 
sion of literature, and the extension of the arts and sci- 
ences, have been impeded by that inaptitude to exertion 
or enterprise, which has arisen from the abundance of, 
and from the facility of extracting silver and gold " out 
of the bowels of our mother earth ;" as well as from the 
general ignorance and superstition of the pi*iesthood, 
and the gloomy and oppressive tendency of their reli- 
gion, thus rigidly taught and rigourously enforced. 

The very gradual increase of population may be in a 
great degree attributed to the inhospitality of the cli- 
mate in many places ; but in a greater, to the manners 
and habits of the people. If we compare the growth of 
some of the large cities in South America with those of 
the United States, the great disparity of increase will 
be apparent. 

Lima was founded in 1535. In the year 1600 its 
inhabitants were 14,000; in 1700 they were 27,000; 
in 1790, they amounted to 52,000. Potosi was found- 
ed in 1545, and now contains about 100,000 inhabitants. 
Quito was founded in 1634, and contains about 65,000 
inhabitants. There are many other cities, founded 
about the same time, the site of which for commerce, or 
on account of their nearness to rich mines, seems ex- 
tremely favourable for a far greater population. 

Eighty years since, where Baltimore now stands, 
there were not ten dwelling houses. In 1790 it contain- 
ed above 13,000 inhabitants ; and in 1810 its popula- 
tion amounted to 46,555. Philadelphia, founded by 
Penn in 1682, contained in 1790, 43,525, and in 1810, 
92,247, including the suburbs. The eity of New-York, 
in 1697, contained 4,302 souls ; in 1790, 33,131; in 
,1810 its population was 93,914. 

Not in the cities only, but in the United States at 



VIRGINIA AND NEW-ENGLAND. 15 

large, there has been a similar increase of population. 
When the census was first taken in 1790, the number 
of inhabitants was 3,950,000. In 1800, 5,305,666. 
In 1810, 7,230,514. At tins computation of increase, 
the number of souls double in less than twenty-five 
years ; at which rate, the following table will show the 
result for 150 years. 

No. of Inhabitants in 1810 7,230,514 

do in 1835 — 14,461,028 

do in 1860—28,922,056 

do in 1885 — 57,844,112 

do in 1910_115,688,224 

do in 1935—231,376,448 

do. .... . in 1960—462,752,896 

Allowing that in the United States, including Loui- 
siana, there are two millions of square miles, or twelve 
hundred and eighty millions of acres; in one hundred 
and fifty years there would be about 230 persons to a 
square mile, not three acres to a man. That the pre- 
sent territory of the Union may increase in population, 
in the above proportion, for a century, is not, at once, 
to be considered improbable ; though many causes may 
conspire against it. 

What may be the effects of divisions and consequent 
warSj of the increase of luxury and intemperance, of 
famine, of pestilence, or a decrease of migrations from 
Kurope, it is impossible to foresee. It is, however, de- 
lightful to anticipate the continuance of the Union for 
.centuries ; and to contemplate three or four hundred 
millions of our fellow creatures, enjoying climates pro- 
fuse in every variety of good, basking in the sunshine 
<)f temperate liberty, and bound by the beneficent laws 
of one government and one constitution ;, extending,, 
Mot over the present dominions of the United States 
only, but stretching their limits to the shores of the 
Arctic Sea and Western Pacific. 

The longevity of the oldest individual is so limited, 
that the most important changes and transactions of 
empires far distant or near, of ages remote^ recent, or 
present, speaking in the aggregate, have little effect qo 



Hi 



16 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

his own happiness ; otherwise than as he, from senti- 
ments of philanthropy or patriotism, in sympathy en- 
joys the pleasures of nations once happy; participates 
in the happiness of such as are now so ; or foretastes 
the expansion, continuance, and augmentation of na- 
tional felicity, in approaching ages.^ 

Notwithstanding all the unmerited disappointments, 
cruel hardships, and severe maltreatment, which em- 
bittered so great a part of the life of Columbus, we can- 
not but suppose he received, in his latter days, not 
merely consolation, but high satisfaction, in reflecting 
on the magnitude anxJ success of his vast enterprise ; in 
anticipating the justice that would be rendered his cha- 
racter; the unbounded benefits that would result to 
mankind ; and the exaltation of his name, permanent 
as the world he discovered, and co-extensive with the 
annals of time. 

" A light — a light,'* on board the little fleet of Co- 
lumbus, was the joyful exclamation, at midnight, on the 
11th of October 1492; and the next day the soil of 
America was pressed by the footsteps of Europeans. 

Who can peruse the accounts of this voyage without 
sharing with a moistened eye, in the feelings of indig- 
nation, of hope and dread suspense, doubt and anxiety, 
that tenanted the bosom of the daring adventurer, for 
several days before this discovery ; or be less affected 
with ardent exultation, when the land became visible to 
his long gazing eyes ; and his labours of twenty years 
were at last crowned with success ? 

Of the difficulties he encountered^ before he could pre- 
vail on any of the powers of Europe to patronize the un- 
dertaking ; of his fortitude and perseverance, and of his 
final success, it may be proper to take a brief notice. 

Columbus is supposed to have been a native of Ge- 
noa. In 1447, he repaired to Lisbon. The Portuguese, 
at this time, were anxious to find a passage to the East 
Indies, round Africa. Columbus, from various consi- 
derations which to him appeared plausible, believed that 
a passage to the East Indies might be found by a west- 
ern course over the Atlantic. 



VIRGINIA AND NEW-ENGLAND. 17 

He sought the assistance of the Genoese, but was de- 
nied; the project appearing to them chimerical. He 
next solicited the Portuguese, but was unsuccessful. 
He sent his brother Bartholomew to England, to lay his 
plan before Henry VII. ; but his brother was captured, 
and did not reach England for several years. 

Ferdinand and Isabella now governed the united 
kingdom of Castile and Arragon. To them he appli- 
ed ; and, after much urgency, the negociation ended in 
a treaty with Columbus, April 1 7th, 1492. On the 3d 
of August of the same year, a little before sunrise, Co- 
lumbus set sail with three small vessels. 

He steered directly to the Canary Islands, which hd 
left the 6th of September, and held his course due west, 
over seas never before ploughed by European keels. 
His men ere long began to murmur; and several days 
before land was discovered threatened to throw hira 
overboard. By threats and flattery he persuaded his 
men to continue the voyage three days longer ; when, 
if land should not be discovered, he would return. 

Little however did he risk by this stipulation ; the 
indications of the nearness of land being so numerous 
and almost indisputable. On the 11th of October, at 
the approach of night, he ordered all his sails furled, 
lest the vessel should be driven on shore. Not an eye 
was closed. All was doubt, expectation, fear, hope, 
and the trepidation of awful suspense. Each gazed 
with dreadful anxiety to that quarter where it was hoped 
land would be discovered. 

A little after midnight the cry of Land, Land, was 
heard on board the Pinta, the most forward vessel. 
Having been often before deceived, suspense became 
the more painful, till morning, when all doubts were 
dispelled. Land was visible. With tears of joy the 
crews of the three vessels sung a hyran of thanksgiving 
to Almighty God. 

In a rich dress, with a drawn sword, Columbus land- 
ed, and took possession, for the crown of* Castile and 
Leon. The Spaniards were surprised at the novelty 
of the scene. The naked simplicity of the natives^^ 



18 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

beardless, with long black hair, and other shape than 
their own, struck them with astonishment; nor less thp 
novelty of every herb, each shrub and tree. 

Nor less was the wonder of the natives, at the sight 
of the Spaniards, whom they regarded as the children 
of the sun; but greater was their astonishment at the 
sight of the ships, wliich they considered as living, ani- 
mals with wings, with eyes of lightning and with 
tongues of thunder. 

Columbus made several voyages after this ; but Ame- 
ricus Vespucius, a Florentine adventurer, robbed him 
of a name that ought to have been given the New World. 

Gold and silver were the great objects of search ; and 
these were found in South America, and here the settle- 
ments of the Spanish were made, w hile above a century 
elapsed, from the first discovery of North America, be- 
fore it was again visited with success for purposes of 
settlement, excepting in Mexico and about the Isthmus 
of Darien. 

May 1497, Giovanni Caboto, or John Cabot, a Ve- 
netian, having received a commission from Henry VII. 
of England, sailed from Bristol ; and, on the 24th of 
June, discovered Newfoundland. Leavilig this Island, 
and steering westwardly, he soon discovered the con- 
tinent. His course was now directed northwardly in 
pursuit of a north-east passage to the East Indies, to 
the 67th degree of N. latitude, according to some au- 
thors, and, according to others, which accoimt we con- 
sider more probable, to about the 56th or 57th. 
; Thence returning, he pursued a S. W. course, along 
the continent of North America, to the bay of Chesa- 
peake ; or, as others suppose, to East Florida; and 
thence returned to England, without any where attempt- 
ing a settlen^ent. 

From this time, although Cabot had pretended to 
take possession of the coast in the name of Henry VII. 
nothing was done towards effecting a settlement till the 
reign of Elizabeth. 

In 1524, Verrazzano, a Florentine, under the auspi- 
ces of Francis I. of France, sailed along the coast from 



VIRGINIA AND NEW-ENGLAND. 19 

Florida to the 50th degree of North latitude. The next 
year, he made another voyage : but the crew were lost, 
and the French, for many years, relinquished further 
thoughts of discovery or settlement. 

In 1578, Queen Elizabeth granted letters patent to 
Sir Humphrey Gilbert, to make discoveries and settle- 
ments. Gilbert spent some time about Cape Breton 
and Newfoundland, taking possession in the name of 
the Queen ; but was lost on his passage home. 

In 1584, his half brother, the famous and unfortunate 
Sir Walter Raleigh, obtained similar letters patent, 
with very ample powers : and in July entered Pampli- 
co Sound, now in North Carolina. " 

He then proceeded to the Roanoke, and spent Seve- 
ral weeks in examining the native productions of the 
soil, and in traffic with the Indians ; who manifested no 
fear, nor disposition to hostility. Sir Walter an'ived 
in England in September. Elizabeth, in honour of 
her own reign, and of her virginity, denominated the 
new country Virginia. 

In the spring of the succeeding 3'ear, Raleigh sailed 
from England with seven small ships, laden with pro- 
visions, arms, and passengers, for a settlement. In 
June he arrived at the island of Roanoke, and esta- 
blished a colony of one hundred and eight persons. 

Inquiries were immediately made by the adventurers^ 
for gold, which they supposed equally abundant in 
North and South America ; and in fruitless search for 
which, they spent most of that time, which ought to 
have been sedulously employed in securing the means 
of their own subsistence. 

In 1586, Sir Francis Drake ^irrived with provisions^ 
and about one hundred more colonists : bvit, a violent 
storm arising, and continuing for three days, several 
of his vessels were damaged ; and that containing the 
men and provisions, having been forced to sea, the co- 
lonists requested Sir Francis to take them to England; 
with which request he complied. 

A short time after the departure of Drake, Sir Wal- 
ter arrived, with provisions for the colony. Not find- 



20 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ing them, he returned. Soon after, Sir Richard Gren- 
ville arrived, with large supplies, in three ships. 

Search for the colonists proving abortive, he also 
departed ; after having left fifteen of his crew, with 
provisions for two years : of whom, as nothing was 
ever heard, it was little doubted but that they were de- 
stroyed by the savages; though the Indians declared 
that they left the country. 

During Sir Walter's stay he had familiarized himself 
to the habit of smoking tobacco* Some of which he 
carried with him to England, and introduced its use 
among the court and nobility. 

Thus, though Virginia did not yield the precious me- 
tals sought, it has yielded that by which abundance of 
the precious metals have been obtained. Such are the 
powers of example and of habit, that what is at first 
nauseous to the taste, and intoxicating to the brain, be- 
comes afterwards a supposed comfort, and at length is 
made a pretended necessary of life. 

1587. This year Sir Walter made another attempt 
to establish a colony, with three ships, and one hundred 
and fifty men and some women ; which adventurers he 
incorporated under the title of '^ the Borough of Raleigh 
in Virginia ;" the legislative power being invested in 
a Governor and twelve counsellors. 

These were ordered to Chesapeake Bay, which had 
been discovered during the previous year. They how- 
ever went to Roanoke ; where, after having learned the 
loss of their countrymen left by Grenville, they con- 
cluded once more to attempt effecting a setdement. 
One of the Indians, who had visited England, and had 
returned, was christened, and styled " Lord of Roanoke 
and Desamonguepeuk." The first child of English 
descent was born here this year, and named Virginia, 

The preparations of the Spanish to invade England 
with their Invincible Armada ; the part taken by Ra- 
leigh and Grenville, and the need of their services in 
the protection of the kingdom ; as well as of the arm- 
ed vessels destined for th6 relief of the colony, together 
with the risk of capture by the Spanish y all conspired 



VIRGINIA AND NEW-ENGLAND. 21 

to prevent the succours needed by the unfortunate ad* 
venturers at Roanoke. 

In 1589, Sir Walter sold his patent to Sir Thomas 
Smith and a company of London merchants ; who, the 
next year, sent three ships to Roanoke. It had been 
agreed, three years before, when the party were left 
here, that should they remove, they should mark on 
some trees, or posts, the name of the place to which 
they should remove. 

The word Croatan was found ; the name of an In- 
dian town, about fifty miles distant, on the north side 
of Cape Look-out : to which place, attempting to sail, 
the next day, their cables, from the violence of the wea- 
ther, being parted, and their provisions scant}^, they 
concluded to return to England. No search was after- 
wards made for the colony, and nothing further was 
•iver heard of them. 
In 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold left Falmouth, in a 
nail bark with thirty persons, intending to effect a 
ttlement in the north part of Virginia. He disco- 
?red a head land, where he came to anchor ; and, hav- 
g found abundance of cod, he called the cape, Cape 
od. Directing his course to the S, W, in a few days 
he discovered Nantucket, Buzzard's Bay, Martha's 
V ineyard, and one of the Elizabeth Islands ; which 
still retains the Indian name of Cuttyhunk ; and on 
V' hich he built a fort and a storehouse ; but, from some 
uneasiness or misfortune, the island was soon abandon- 
1, and the company returned to England. 
The accounts given by Gosnold, and subsequently 
)nfirmed by others, who visited where he had been, 
began to inspirit many of the English with a determi- 
nation again to attempt the so often frustrated plan of 
a colony in what was still called Virginia. 

Sir Walter Raleigh having been accused of high 
li eason, his patent became void- James, who succeed- 
* I Elizabeth, granted, in 1606, letters patent to two 
)mpanies, called the London and the Plymouth Com- 
1 niies; by which they ^re authorized to possess the 
ixsmtories lying between llie 34tl¥ and 45th decrees of 



22 HISTORY OF THE UxNITED STATES. 

North latitude : the Southern part to the London, and 
the Northern to the Plymouth Conipany ; the king him- 
self having undertaken to frame for them a code of laws. 

Three ships were provided by the London company, 
on board of which were 105 persons, who were expect- 
ed to remain at Roanoke, which was the place of their 
destination. The command of this squadron was giv- 
en to Captain Christopher Newport, who sailed from 
London on the 20th Dec. 1606 ; and, after a tedious 
and disasterous passage of four months, by the circuit- 
ous route of the West Indies, on the 26th of April, 
discovered Cape Henry, the southern cape of the 
Chesapeake, a storm having driven him northwardly 
Ijeyond the place of his destination. . Soon after he dis- 
covered Cape Charles, and entered the spacious bay of 
the Chesapeake. 

Gratified by the appearance of the country, the com- 
pany resolved to begin a settlement ; and the neigh- 
bouring situations were explored. Passing above Old 
Point Comfort, a party proceeded up a beautiful river, 
by the Indian^alled Powhatan, and by the colonists, 
in honour of James L called James' River. On a pen- 
insula some way up this river, they determined to 
commence a settlement, calling the place Jamestown. 
This was the first British settlement that was not aban- 
doned. 

Shortly after the company received supplies from 
England, and an accession to their numbers, making 
the whole about two hundred. Two vessels were 
freighted for England ; the one loaded with a yellow 
and brilliant sand, common in many places of that vi- 
cinity, and which the colonists vainly considered as 
containing a large proportion of gold : the other was 
laden with cedar. 

Among the members of the council, the most active, 
able, resolute, daring, and persevering, was Capt. John 
Smith ; to whom, more than to any other, the success 
of the establishment was indebted. Captain Smith 
having passed a considerable distance into the desert, 
to explore the Chickahominy river, was taken prisoner 



VIRGINIA AND NEW-ENGLAND. 23 

by a large party of Indians ; who determined to put 
him to death. 

For this purpose, he was confined, and led to the 
place of execution : his head was placed upon a stone, 
for the purpose of beating out his brains with clubs. 
Powhatan, the most powerful Indian chief of that vi- 
cinity, at whose palace the execution was to take place, 
stood over Captain Smith, turning a deaf ear to the pa- 
thetic and continued solicitations of his daughter, Po- 
cahontas, then about thirteen years of age. 

The entreaties of Pocahontas not prevailing, before 
the fatal blows were given she fell upon Sm-Jth, clasp- 
ing his neck with her arms, and resting her head upon 
his. Powhatan relented ; and, two days after, sent 
Smith to Jamestown. i 

In June, 1608, Captain Smith left Jamestown, in an 
open boat with thirteen men, for the purpose of explor- 
ing the Chesapeake, its creeks, harbours, and rivers ; 
and to open an intercourse with the Indians. During 
an absence of six weeks he explored the bay on each 
; side as far as the Rappahannock. In a subsequent ex- 
»lpedition, he explored the Bay quite up to the Susque- 
f|iannah, sailing up the principal rivers to a considera- 
ible distance. 

1609. The destruction of the whole colony was 
plotted by the Indians ; but their intention was render- 
ed abortive by the friendship of Pocahontas towards 
the English. She, in a very dark night, went to Jam^- 
town, and disclosed to the president the plot of her fa- 
ther. The colony was put on their guard ; and Pow- 
hatan soon after reconciled. 

1610. A famine having reduced the company from 
iive hundred to only sixty, it was resolved to abandon 
the country, and return to England. For this purpose ' 
they had already embarked : but, meeting Lord De- 
laware, who had, the previous year, been appointed 
Governor, under a new charter, with one hundred and 
fifty men and a large supply of provisions, they con- 
sented to return and resettle the colony. 

Under the administration of Delaware, the affairs of 



24 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the company wore a more auspicious aspect. Captain 
Argal was sent up the Potomac to obtain provisions • 
where he found a young Englishman by the name of 
Spelman, who had been saved from the fury of Powha- 
tan by the intercession of his daughter, the benevolent 
Pocahontas. Two years after, Captain Aj'gail was 
again sent to the Potomac for corn ; where he learned 
that Pocahontas, from some unknown cause, had se- 
creted herself from her father. Argal found means to 
discover her retreat, and took her with him to James- 
town ; expecting the possession of her would have a 
beneficial effect on the feelings of her fathei*. 

The next year she married an English gentleman by 
tlie name of Rolfe. She embraced the Christian reli- 
gion, and was baptized by the name of Rebecca. She 
died four years after, at Gravesend, on her return with 
her husband from England. She left one son, whose 
descendants inherited lands from her title ; and from 
whom are descended many respectable families in Vir- 
ginia ; who, instead of mortification, ought to glory in 
the virtues of their illustrious ancestor. 

1614. Captain Argal was sent from Jamestown t^ 
Manhattan (now New-York,) to lay claim to it on ac-o 
count of its discovery by Hudson, in 1609. Here were. 
a few Dutch traders, who immediately acknowledged 
the supremacy of king James, and the governor of 
Virginia under him. 

1619. A provincial legislature was convoked, eleven 
corporations sending representatives to the colonial 
convention. Shortly after arrived upwards of twelve 
hundred persons, to increase the population of the co- 
lony. 

One hundred and fifty young women, " handsome 
and uncorrupt," were sent to Virginia : who were sold 
to the planters for one hundred, and one hundred and 
fifty pounds of tobacco each ; tobacco being then va- 
lued at three shillings per pound. We are- not inform- 
ed whether this was a speculating traffic of girl-hold- 
ers ; nor of the manner of courtship, nor selection of 
wives. They, however, were not sold tor slavery: 



VIRGINIA AND NEW-ENGLAND. 2j 

though twenty of tlie sable sons of Africa were about 
the same time brought there in a Dutch vessel, and sold : 
whence we may date the commencement of the cruel 
and impolitic system of slave-holding in the Southern 
States. 

Let us now attend to the affairs of New-England. 
Captain Smith, (1614) was sent from England to ex- 
plore north Virginia. He ranged along the coast from 
Penobscot to Cape Cod, making observations on the 
shores, harbours, islands, and headlands : he made a 
map of the country ; and on his return to England 
showed it to prince Charles (afterwards the royal mar- 
t3T) who, from the description of it given by Smith, 
declared that the country should be called New-Eng- 
land. Cape Anne was so called by the prince, from 
respect to his mother. 

One of his vessels Smith left behind with orders to 
Thomas Hunt, the master, to load it with fish, and 
proceed immediately to Malaga. Hunt, under pretext 
of traffic, seduced twenty-four Indians on board his 
ship, basely put them under hatches, and sold them to 
the Spaniards in Malaga. 

Captain Hobson was sent to New-England, the same 
year, to effect a settlement ; but, on his arrival, was at- 
tacked by the Indians, with arrows from twenty canoes : 
was himself wounded, and some of his men. Discou- 
raged by this onset of the savages, and hopeless of suc- 
cess in making a settlement, he immediately returned 
to Great Britain. Two attempts were made, in the 
two succeeding years, to fix an establishment in New- 
England, but both proved unsuccessful. 

The Rev. Mr. Robinson with his flock, of the re- 
formed church of the north of England, usually de- 
nominated Puritans, removed to Amsterdam in 1606, 
and soon after to Leyden. A variety of motives led 
his congregation to turn their attention to the new world : 
the principal were, the enjoyment of perfect liberty of 
conscience ; " the preservation of ecclesiastical affairs 
distinct from those of the state ;" and a hope of laying 
a foundation for an extensive empire, that should be 

B 



26 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

purged from all religious impurities. The second a 
tempt of the agents of Mr. Robinson's congregation to 
iiegociate with the Virginia company proved success- 
ful, (1619.) 

1 620. A part of the congregation, who were to cross 
the Atlantic and make preparation for the rest, left 
Leyden in July, and sailed from Southampton, in Eng- 
land, in August : but, on account of the leakiness of 
one of their ships, they were twice compelled to return. 

On the 6th of September they sailed from Plymouth ; 
and, at day-break, on the 9th of November, they dis- 
covered Cape Cod. Pursuing their course southward- 
ly, with intent to discover Hudson's river, they fell 
among shoals, and altered their course to the north- 
ward. 

It is stated that the master of the ship had been brib- 
ed in Holland, to convey them north of Manhattan, 
that they might not disturb the Dutch there; who, 
though they had once submitted to the authority of the 
English, from reinforcements and enlargement of this 
colony, had long since thrown off the British yoke. 
On the 10th of November, the ship anchored in Cape 
Cod harbour. 

Perceiving that they were so far north as to be with- 
out the territory of the south Virginia Company, soiiie 
hesitation arose: but the winter ^was at hand, and it 
was now too late to go in search of a settlement with- 
in the jurisdiction of that company. 

Previous to their landing, after prayer and thanks- 
giving, they formed themselves into a body politic, 
iDinding themselves by a written covenant to be govern- 
ed by the decisions of a majority. This instrument 
was subscribed by forty-one, who with their children 
and domestics, amounted to one hundred and one per- 
sons. Mr. John Carver was chosen, without a dissen- " 
tient, Governor for one year. 

Parties were sent on shore to make discoveries. I 
Some Indians were seen but could not be overtaken.] 
A considerable quantity of corn was found in heaps oi 
sand, secured in baskets, which serv^ for seed the en-l 



VIRGLMA AND NEW-ENGLAND. 27 

{iuiiig spring, and tended to save the adventurers from 
' famine. 

On the 6th of December, Carver, Standish, Winslovv, 
Bradford, and others, sailed to various places, to dis- 
cover a suitable situation for a settlement. Monday, 
December 11th, O. S. they landed at what was after- 
wards called Plymouth, and from the goodness of the 
harbour, and the favourable appearance of the land, 
resolved here to commence a settlement. 

A house was immediately built : the company was 
divided into nineteen families, and lots of ground as- 
signed to each for houses and gardens. In January 
they began to lay out a town in two rows of houses : in 
February they attended to their military concerns, and 
appointed Miles Standish their Captain. 

In March, an Indian, who had learnt some broken 
English from a little intercourse with Englishmen who 
had before been fishing on the coast, came, fearlessly 
and unattended, into the open street of the town, ex- 
claiming, " Welcome Englishmen, welcome English- 
men." This Indian informed them that a plague tli^e 
year before, or, as some state, four years before, had 
destroyed all the Indians in the vicinity. 

Through the friendly interposition of this Indian, 
whose name was Samoset, a treaty was made with Mas- 
s^soiet, the most powerful sachem of the neighbouring 
tribes, which was uninterruptedly maintained for fifty 
years. 

The fatigues and diseases, to which the company 
were exposed, together with a deprivation of the com- 
forts and conveniencies they had heretofore enjoyed, 
swept away one half of their number, before the next 
spring : among them the Governor, in whose room Mr. 
William Bradford was elected. Their bodies vi^ere bu- 
ried near the shore, and covered with level sods, that 
this great diminution of their, number might not be 
known to the Indians by the discovery of their graves. 

September 19th, 1621. Governor Bradford sent a 
shallop with ten men and three Indians, to make dis- 
coveries in the Bay, and traffic with the Indians. At 



i ^ 



28 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the bottom of the bay they landed under a cliff, sup- 
posed to be Copps' Hill in Boston ; had an interview 
with the chief; agreed upon articles of submission and 
friendly intercourse; collected some beaver, and re- 
turned. 

In November the company received an addition of 
thirty-five persons, brought ov^er in a ship from Eng- 
land. The ship however brought no provisions ; and 
it was necessary she should immediately return. The 
colonists, great as was their own want of provisions, ge- 
nerously victualled her, though in consequence, they 
were obliged to put themselves on half allowance for 
six months. 

The returning ship was laden with clapboards, bea- 
ver skins, &;c. to the value of 500?. The next yeartwo 
vessels arrived, bringing provisions, goods, and about 
sixty passengers, for the settlement. 

Settlements were made, in 1623, under the orders of 
Mason and Gorges, who had obtained patents of ter- 
ritory in New-England, at Piscataqua, (Portsmouth, 
N. H.) and at Dover. A settlement was also begun, 
the next year, at Cape Anne. 

1628. The council for New-England sold to Ros- 
well Young, and others, a patent for all that part of 
New-England, lying between three miles north of the 
Merrimac and three south of Charles river. Thus was 
laid a foundation for a union of the settlements under 
one colony. A settlement was this year begun at Naum- 
keag, (Salem) under the government of Mr. John En- 
dicot. 

1629. King Charles incorporated "the governor 
and company of Massachusetts' bay in New-Ecgland." 
An agreement was made at Cambridge, between Sir 
Richard Saltonstall, Thomas Dudley, John Winthrop, 
and others, to be prepared the next March to embark 
with their families to New-England, to settle in that 
country. Winthrop was made Governor, and Dudley 
Deputy Governor. 

The next spring they embarked with fourteen vessels. 
Several gentlemen of wealth and eminence acconipani- 



VIRGINIA AND NEW-ENGLAND. 29 

ed ; the men, women, and children, making in the whole 
about fifteen hundred. These first planted themselves 
in Charlestown, but soon after crossed the river to the 
peninsula, Shawmut, (Boston) where the first General 
Court was this year held. 

Articles of faith were agreed upon, to which every 
one was required to assent, and become a member of the' 
church, before he could be entitled to vote at the elec- 
tions, or could become eligible to the office of a magis- 
trate or juryman. Thus could those, who, at such risk, 
under such hardships, and with such sacrifices, had fled 
from religious intolerance, exercise immediately an in- 
tolerance certainly not less severe nor less unjust ; and 
deprive a fellow-citizen of his civil rights, because he 
could not conscientiously subscribe to every article of 
religion, believed by the majorit}^ 

But, while we lament this intolerance, we ought to re- 
member that it was the rage of the times, not less in 
America than in Europe. Even Virginia, above thirty 
years after, made it penal for parents to refuse to bap- 
tize their children ; and passed the most severe lavrs^ 
against Quakers, forbiddingtheir residence among them, 
imprisoning them till they should abjure their tenets, ov 
leave the country; severely punishing the frrst and se- 
cond return, but inflicting death on the third. 

In the year 1634, there were settlements above thirty 
miles distant from Boston in several directions ; hence 
it became impracticable with convenience for all the 
freemen to attend the general court. The constitution 
was therefore altered to a representative democrac}', 
twenty-four delegates representing the different towns. 
Four general courts were to be held every year. lu 
that of the general election, all the freemen were to at- 
tend ; but the freemen of every town might choose de- 
puties to represent them at the other three general courts. 

This form of legislation remained, with little altera- 
tion, during the continuance of the charter. Seven men 
were chosen in Boston to regulate the division of the 
town lands. Their powers were afterwards enlarged, 
and hence arose, throughout New-England, the custom 



30 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of choosing Selectmen, to regulate town affairs. A 
njarket, and public inn were erected, and the first mer- 
chant's shop was opened. 

1637. The troops of Massachusetts and Connecticut 
liad several engagements with the Pequot Indians, and 
finally subdued them. This year was famous for a great 
theological disturbance made by Ann Hutchinson, a 
woman of much subtlety and considerable talents ; who 
was accused of maintaining heresies, and supporting 
them by lectures frequently given to large auditories. 

The consequence was a synod of the Ministers, elders, 
and messengers, of the churches ; who, after three weeks 
deliberation, condemiied eighty-two opinions as hereti- 
cal ; v.'hich had been disseminated in New-England : 
and, fearful of public disturbance by her adherents, fifty- 
eight persons were disarmed ; and none were allowed 
to remain within the jurisdiction without the consent of 
a magistrate. 

Some banishments of course took place; Mrs. Hutrh- 
inson herself was banished ; and, with her husband and 
children, removed to Rhode-Island. 

Tiie legislature this year founded a public school at 
Nevv'town, afterwards called Cambridge. Two years 
al'ter, Mr. John Harvard of Charlestown, a clergyman, 
left a legacy of 779Z. 175 2,d. to the above mentioned 
school : a gift, which, considering the value of money 
at the time, and the profession of the donor, a profession 
seldom imcumbered with the burdens of wealth, marks 
his great public spirit and his zeal for the diffusion of 
erudition. 

Cambridge, in England, having been the place where 
many of tlie first settlers of New-England had received 
their education, the name of Newtown was altered to that 
of Cambridge, by the legislature, and the school was 
established under the appellation of Harvard College. 
In Cambridge was established (1639) the first printing- 
ofiice introduced in North America. 

One hundred laws, by the appellation of " The Body 
of Liberties," were established (1640) for the govern- 
ment of the colony. Many of these were highly ne- 



VIRGINIA AND NEW-ENGLAND. 31 

cessary and advantageous : but the admixture of theo- 
logical control, and civil policy, must have been a source 
of constant perplexity. 

No injunction was to be laid " on any church, church 
officer, or member, in point of doctrine, viorship, ov 
discipline, besides the institution of the Lord." When 
the law was defective, decision was to be " by the word 
of God." 

After a slight sketch of the affairs of Virginia, to 
the present date, for the sake of greater perspicuity, 
those of the different colonies will be, for the most part, 
distinctly considered. 

1622. Powhatan, who from the time of the marriage 
of his daughter with Mr. Rolfe, had been invariably 
friendly to the Virginia colony, having died four years 
before, was succeeded by Opechancanough. This chief 
was not less notorious for his audacity and subtlety, 
than for his jealousy and cruelty. i 

So perfect had been the peace, and so constant and 
unreserved the intercourse of the colonists and the In- 
dians, that the latter had been supplied with muskets, 
, ^and taught their use; while the former, considering 
/themselves in perfect safety, had long neglected almost 
every species of precaution, unsuspectingly admitting 
the savages to their dwellings by night and by day, as 
innoxious or friendly visiters. 

In this state of peace, and perfect confidence on the 
one part, on the morning of the 22d of March, the In- 
dians came among the colonists, in their usual friendly 
manner ; and, at the appointed moment, murdered three 
hundred and forty-seven men, women, and children. 

Notice having been given the preceding night by a 
friendly Indian to one of the planters, who had time to 
inform those of Jamestown and its vicinity of their dan- 
ger, the massacre was more limited than it otherwise 
would have been ; it having been the design of the sa- 
vages to destroy the whole settlement. 

A famine succeeded, which greatly added to the dis- 
tresses occasioned by the massacre. Of eighty planta- 
tions only eight remained. The want of provisions and 



^2 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the loss of persons were, however, soon, in some degree 
supplied and alleviated by the arrival from England of 
twenty ships, with provisions, arms, and thirteen hun- 
dred souls. A general war with the savages was levied 
with success, and in a short time most of the neighbour- 
ing tribes were exterminated or slain. 

1624. The company, after having expended above 
one hundred thousand pounds, was dissolved ; and the 
colony taken hiio the hands of the king ; there being 
now about eighteen hundred persons left, of above nine 
tliousand, besides those that were born in the colony. 

The king issued a special commission, appointing a 
governor and twelve counsellors, for the superintendence 
of the colony ; and in whom all legislative and execu- 
tive powers were vested. For several years, under this 
administration, the colony suiiered much from burden- 
some, vexatious, and arbitrary regulations and proce- 
dures. 

Sir John Harvey was appointed Governor in 1629, 
whose tyrannical, rapacious, and oppressive deport- 
ment, so excited the resentment of the colonists, that 
ihey seized him. and sent him a prisoner to England. 

King Charles, though at first equally disposed with 
his father to maintain a royal government in Virginia, 
having involved himself in great difficulty with his peo- 
ple and parliament, at home, seems to have relented in 
his severity towards his colonies. 

Sir William Berkley succeeded Harvey, whose com- 
mission was revoked. The talents, probity, and suavity 
of manners, which he exemplified, were highly pleas- 
ing : nor less was the gratification to learn that he was 
directed to summon the burgesses to meet the governor 
and council in general assembly. 



CHAPTER II. 

Maine, New -Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont^ Connec 
ticut and Rhode- Island. 

laeffectual attempt to settle Maine — Charter to Gorges — separation 
from Massachusetts proper — First settlement of New-Hampshire — 
Settlement of Exeter — Separation from Massachusetts — Union with, 
and subsequent separation from Massachusetts — Offensive and de- 
fensive union of the New-England States — ^Indian war — Defence 
of Number Four— Internal commotions — Dartmouth College — 
King Philip's war — Alliance with the Nanragansetts — General ris- 
ing of the Indians throughout New-England — Defeat of the Narra- 
gansetts — Defeat of the Indians and death of Philip — Forfeiture of 
the charter of Massachusetts — Anival of Andros — Andros seized — 
Charter resumed — New charter granted — Attack and surrender of 
Louisburg — Disappointment of a French fleet — Insurrection in 
Massachuseits— Its suppression — Settlement of Connecticut — Arri- 
val of Winthrop — War with the Pequots — Their defeat — New-Ha- 
ven Colony — Forms of government — Charter of Charles the second 
— Secretion of the charter from Andros — Yale College — Territorial 
disputes — Roger Williams moves to Rhode-Island — settles Provi- 
dence — Settlement of Newport — Religious toleration — Charter 
granted the Earl of Warwick — Charter of Charles the second — 
Rhode-Island deprived of its charter — Charter i*eassumed— Brown 
University. 

MAINE. 

THE first attempt to make any settlement in the state 
of Maine was in 1607. Two ships, with a hundred men 
and provisions, were sent from England by Sir John 
Popham. They landed in August, at the mouth of the 
Kennebeck, or Sagadahock. A storehouse was built 
and fortified : and in December the ships departed, 
leaving behind forty-five persons. 

When visited, the next year, by ships bringing them 
supplies, they determined, with one consent, to return ; 
considering the country " a cold, barren, mountainous 

B 2 



34 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

desert ;" where they could find nothing but " extreme 
extremities." 

The Plymouth colonists obtained a patent for Ken- 
nebeck in 1628 ; and erected a house for trade. Some 
scattered settlements were made in the province some 
years after ; when the first began under Gorges and 
Mason in New-Hampshire. 

1639. A distinct charter was granted to Sir Ferdi- 
nando Gorges, of all the land from Piscataqua to Saga- 
dahock ; and the territory was called The Province of 
Maine. In this province he established a government, 
and incorporated a city, near the mountain Agamenti- 
cus, ill York, and called it Gorgeana. 

A general court was held at Saco, in 1640. In 1652 
the Province was taken under the jurisdiction of Mas- 
sachusetts, by tbeir own request. Commissioners were 
sent to York to receive their submission. Tix: Province 
was made a county, and called Yorkshire ; the towns 
sending deputies to the general court at Boston. 

Massachusetts also claimed this Province as lying 
within her charter of 1628. Sir F. Gorges being dead, 
and his estate in the province falling to his son, who, 
through despair or inability, paid little attention to it ; 
and for some time the inhabitants " managed their own 
affairs in their own way ;" more attentive to the profits 
of lumber, than to the advantages of agriculture. Fal- 
mouth, (now Portland,) was incorporated in 1718 ; se- 
veral towns of minor importance having been previ- 
ously settled. 

The settlers of the Province, as v/ell as those of New- 
Hampshire, had been long distressed by the Indians; 
till (1726) a treaty was made between them and the go- 
vernment of Massachusetts, from which resulted a long 
peace. Hostilities afterwards arose ; and the inhabi- 
tants suffered much, till the conclusion (1749) of another 
treaty, founded on the principles of that of 1726. 

It were useless here, and much beyond the province 
of our intentions, to examine the different grants of ter- 
ritory, and endeavour to ascertain the boundaries, of 
the State of Elaine. On this subject, as on all subjecta 



NEW-IIAxMPSIIIRE. 



OJ 



m which the history of the District is concerned, ahnost^ 
all that can be known, of importance, may be acquired 
by a perusal of Gov. Sullivan's History of the District. 

Maine was incorporated with Massachusetts in 1691. 
In 1786, 1787, 1802, and 1816, attempts were made to 
separate from Massachusetts Proper ; to which separa- 
tion a majority of the inhabitants were averse. In 1619, 
numerous petitions for separation were presented to the 
legislature ; and an act was passed for obtaining the 
full sentiments of the inhabitants : a due majority ap- 
pearing in favour of forming Maine into a new Slate, 
a convention was tabe called, and a constitution formed. 

A vast majority appearing in favour of separation, 
the Convention m<?t in Portland, and framed a Consti- 
tution, which they submitted to the inhabitants of the 
District. The Constitution was adopted almost unan- 
imously ; and the District of Maine, by an act of Con- 
gress of March 3, 1820, became an independent State. 

NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

Captain John Smithy of whom we have already spo- 
ken, ranging along the shore from Penobscot to Cape 
Cod, in the year 1614, discovered the river Piscataqua, 
which he found to be a safe harbour with a rocky shore. 
On his return to England, he published a description 
of the country he had examined, together with a map. 

Captain John Mason, one of the council of the Ply- 
mouth Company (1621) procured a grant of all the land 
from the river of Naumkeag (now Salem) round Cape 
Ann,, to the river Merrimac ; up each of those rivers to 
the farthest head ; then to cross from one head to the 
other. The next year a grant was made to Mason and 
Sir Ferdinand© Gorges of all the lands between Merri- 
mac and Sagadahock, and back to Canada. 

In 1623, a settlement was begun at Piscataqua. In 
1629, the Indians granted to John Whelewright and 
others a vast tract. The same year a new grant was 
made by the Plymouth Company to Mason, from the 
middle of Piscataqua river to its head, thence north- 



36 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

westward until sixty miles from the mouth of the har«- 
bour were finished : also through Merrimac river to its 
head, thence westward till sixty miles were finished; 
thence to cross over land to the end of sixty miles ac- 
counted from Piscataqua river. This tract was called 
New-Hampshire. 

The towns of Portsmouth, Dover, Hampton, and 
Exeter, were laid out in 1633, and before 1640, settle- 
ments made in all of them. Soon after the patent hold- 
ers of the lands lying north of the Piscataqua agreed to 
assign all their interests of jurisdiction to Massachusetts. 

New-Hampshire continued under tne jurisdiction of 
Massachusetts till, in 1679, a commission passed the 
great seal of England inhibiting the jurisdiction of 
Massachusetts over all lands extending from three miles 
north of the Merrimac, to the province of Maine, con- 
stituting a President and Council to govern the Pro- 
vince, establishing a general form of government, with 
an assembly, he. The Assembly to be chosen by the 
people; the President and Council to be appointed by 
the crown. 

The first Assembly met at Portsmouth, March 16th, 
1680. This Assembly consisted of eleven members: 
from Portsmouth S; from Dover 3; from Hampton 3, 
and from Exeter 2; the whole number of voters being 
209. - 

Mason, grandson of the Mason before mentioned, ar- 
rived the next year, and assumed the title of lord pro- 
prietor ; which assumption was considered a usurpation 
of royal authority. To prevent being apprehended, 
under a warrant for that purpose, he quitted the colo- 
liv and returned to Europe. 

Jn 1685, a commission was issued to Joseph Dudley', 
appointing him " President of his Majesty's Territory 
of New-England." To him succeeded Sir Edmund 
Andros, under whose tyrannical and oppressive govern- 
ment t^ie people of New-England greatly suffered. 

Andros having been seized and imprisoned by the 
people of Boston, New-Hampshire remained a short 
time in an unsettled &tate. A convention was called in 



NEW-HAMPSHIRE. S7 

16S0 ; and it was determined that New-Hampshire 
sliould unite with Massachusetts. Three years after, 
Allen obtained a commission from the crown for the 
government of New-Hampshire, and his son-in-law. 
Usher, was appointed lieutenant governor. 

About this time commenced a war with the Indians, 
which continued, with little interruption, till 1713. It 
would be a transgression on our limits to relate the par- 
ticulars of the cruelties or successes of the savages, or 
of the sufferings and final triumph of the colonists. 

During the latter part of this war the enemy perpe- 
trated the greatest barbarities which had ever been 
known in New-England. Some of the captives were 
roasted alive — others mangled and tortured to death. 
No pity was shown to the aged and infirm ; and chil- 
dren of both sexes were murdered without mercy. 
*' In one instance an infant was tied to the corpse of its 
parent, and left to perish sucking the breast of its dead 
mother."'* Terrible was the condition of those who 
fared the best, subject as they were to the hardships of 
travelling, half naked and barefoot, through pathless 
deserts and craggy mountains. 

The story of the capture of Mrs. Johnson, is proba- 
bly familiar to most of my young readers, as also the 
affecting account of the surprise of the fort in Hinsdale, 
in 1755, and the capture of Mrs. Howe, with thirteen 
other persons, v.'ho were taken to Canada, and sufftxed 
hardships almost incredible. I cannot resist the im- 
pulse which prompts me to give at length, from Belk- 
nap's history of New-Hampshire, the interesting ac- 
count of the defence of the fort at Number Four. 

In the latter end of March, 1747, Captain Phinehas 
Stevens, who commanded a ranging company of thirty 
men, came to Number Four ; and finding the fort en- 
lire, determined to keep possession of it. He had not 
been there many days, when he was attacked by a very 
large party of French and Indians, commanded by M. 
Debeline. 

* Col. Cliurch's History. 



S8 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

" The dogs, by their barking, discovered that the 
enemy were near ; which caused the gate to be kept 
shut, beyond the usual time. One man went out to 
make discovery and was fired on j but returned with a 
slight wound only. The enemy, finding that they were 
discovered, arose from tlieir concealment and fired at 
the fort on all sides. 

" The wind being high, they set fire to the fences 
and log houses, till the fort was surrounded by flames. 
Captain Stevens took the most prudent measures for hi& 
security ; keeping every vessel full of water, and dig- 
ging trenches under the walls in several places ; so that 
a man might creep through, and extinguish any fire 
which might catch on the outside of the walls. 

" The fire of the fences did not reach the fort ; nor 
did the flaming arrows which they inccTssantly shot 
against it take efifect. Having continued this mode of 
attack for two days, accompanied with hideous shouts 
and yells ; they prepared a wheel carriage, loaded with 
dry faggots, to be pushed before them, that they might 
set fire to the fort. Before they proceeded to tliis ope- 
ration,, they demanded a cessation of arms till the sun- 
rising, which was granted.. 

"In the morning Debeline came up with fifty men^ 
and a flag of truce which he stuck in the ground. He 
demanded a parley which was agreed to. A French 
©fiicer, with a soldier and an Indian, tlien advanced ; 
and proposed tliat the garrison should bind up a quan- 
tity of provisions with their blankets, and having laid 
down their arms should be conducted prisoners to 
Montreal. 

"Another proposal was that the two commanders 
should meet^ and that an answer should then be givem 
Stevens met the French commander, who, without waitr 
ing for an answer,, began to enforce his proposal, by 
threatening to storm the fort, and put every man to 
death, if they should refuse his terms, and kill one of 
his men. 

" Stevens answered, that he could hearken to no 
terms till the last extremity 5 that he was entrusted with 



NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 39 

tlie defcDce of the fort, and was determined to maintain 
it, till he should be convinced that the Frenchman could 
perform what he had threatened. He added, that it 
was poor encouragement to surrender, if ihey were all 
to be put to the sword for killing one man, when it was 
probable they had already killed more. 

" The Frenchman replied, * Go and see if your men 
dare to fight any longer, and give me a quick answer.' 
Stevens returned, and asked his men whether they would 
fight or surrender. They unanimously determined to 
iight. This was immediately made known to the ene- 
my, who renewed their shouting and fighting all that 
day and night. On the morning of the third day, they 
requested another cessation for two hours. 

'' Two Indians came with a flag, and proposed^ that 
if Stevens would sell them provisions they would with- 
draw. He answered, that tt) sell them provisions for 
money was contrary to the law of nations j: but that he 
would pay them five bushels of corn for every captive, 
for whom they would give an hostage,, till the captive 
could be brought from Canada. After this answer, a 
few guns were fired, and the enemy were seen no 
more. 

"In this furious attack from a starving enemy,, no 
lives were lost in the fort, and two men only were wound- 
ed. No men could have behaved, wutli more intrepidir- 
ty in the midst of such threatening danger. An ex- 
press was immediately despatched' to Boston^ and the 
news was there received with great joy.. Commodore 
Sir Charles Knowles, was so highly pleased with the 
conduct of Captain Stevens, that he presented him with 
a valuable and elegant sword, as a reward for his brave- 
ry. From tliis circumstance, the tawuship,. when it was 
incorporated, took the name of CharlestownJ' 

In 1741, New-Hampshire had a governor distinct 
from that of Massachusetts^ This was Benning Went- 
worth. During his administration was undertaken the 
expedition to Cape Breton, of which an account is 
elsewhere given. 

In the year 1745, was settled the claim of the heirs 



40 HISTORY OP" THE UNITED STATES. 

of Mason, which had been in agitation and had caused 
great contention for about a century. 

1769. Dr. Eleazer Wheelock, of Lebanon, Connec- 
ticut, after having solicited funds in England, Scotland, 
and America, was principally instrumental in the esta- 
blishment of Dartmouth College. The object was at 
first, chiefly, the education of Indian young men. This 
plan but partially succeeded. 

A College ^vas founded at Hanover, which, from its 
principal benefactor, the Earl of Dartmouth, was called 
Dartmouth College. Wheelock was appointed Presi- 
dent ; a board of trustees was constituted with perpe- 
tual succession ; and the College was endowed with a 
large landed estate. 

' At the commencement of the revolution, 1775, the 
Governor, Wentworth, quitted the Province. Informa- 
tion being received of the battle of Lexington, the New- 
Hampshire Provincial Congress, then sitting at Exeter, 
immediately raised three regiments, to be commanded 
by John Stark, (afterwards the famous General Stark,) 
James Reed, and Enoch Poor. A temporary consti- 
tution was formed in 1776, consisting of a President, 
Council, and House of Representatives, &.c. 

In 1778, sixteen towns, bordering on Connecticut ri- 
ver, from Cornish to Franconia, north, petitioned to be 
received into the new State of Vermont, and their de- 
legates were actually admitted to a seat in her assem- 
bly. This act created much altercation for several 
years, by the conflicting claims for jurisdiction ; but in 
1 782, " the people returned to their connexion with 
New-Hampshire." 

In 1784 a new constitution was formed, consisting of 
a Governor, Senate, and House of Representatives. 
The Senate consisting of twelve members. The num- 
ber of Representatives not limited : each town, consist- 
ing of 150 rateable polls, to elect one : each town having 
four hundred and fifty to elect two ; the mean increasing 
number being three hundred polls to one representative. 

In 1786, such was the general pressure, that a cla- 
mour for paper money was universal. The Assembly, 



KEW-HAMPSHIRE. 41 

llieii sitting at Exeter, was surrounded by an armed 
mob. By the firmness of the President, however, and 
a little artifice, the multitude was scattered for the night, 
and the next day the whole body was effectually dis- 
persed, by the neighbouring militia, and several of the 
leaders secured. 

In 1815, President John Wheelock, son and succes- 
sor of the first President of Dartmouth College, came 
to an open rupture with a majority of the Trustees, and 
appealed to the legislature. Difficulties had existed for 
several years. The legislature appointed a committee 
to repair to Hanover, hear the parties, and make re- 
port at the next session. Soon after the examination 
had closed, the Trustees removed President Wheelock, 
and appointed Rev. Francis Brown in his stead. 

At the next session of the legislature, (1816) an act 
was passed, entitled, " An act to amend the Charter, 
and enlarge and improve the corporation of Dartmouth 
College." By this act the number of Trustees was in- 
creased to twenty-one, and a board of overseers ap-* 
pointed, consisting of twentj^-five persons, fifteen of 
whoiu to constitute a quorum for doing business. The 
College was changed to a University. The old Trus- 
tees resisted the act, declaring it unconstitutional ; and 
although deprived of the College building, philosophi- 
cal apparatus, &tc. continued instruction as usual, in 
private buildings, and appealed to the Judiciary. In 
1817, the cause was decided in favour of the Universi- 
ty, and the constitutionality of the laws, by the Superi- 
or Court of New-Hampshire. The cause was then car- 
ried to the Supreme Court of the United States, at 
Washington, and in February 1819, the whole proceed- 
ings were reversed, and the act of the State establish- 
ing an University, declared unconstitutional and void. 

The old President, Wheelock, was appointed by the 
Trustees of the University, to preside in the new Insti- 
tution. At his decease, in 1817, Rev. William Allen suc- 
ceeded. 

During the revolutionary war, the courage and pa- 
triotism of no state exceeded that of New-Hampshire. 



42 HISTORY OF THE UISITED STxiTES. 

As long as the battle of Bennington and the surren- 
der of Burgoyne are remembered, the enterprize, activ- 
ity and valor of the soldiers of New-Hampshire will be 
subjects of just eulogy. 

Of the inhabitants of this state, its able and accurate 
Historian, the late Dr. Belknap, with great justice ob- 
serves : " Firmness of nerve, patience in fatigue, intre- 
pedity in danger, and alertness in action, are to be 
numbered among their native and essential characteris- 
tics. — New-Hampshire may be considered as a nursery 
of stern heroism, producing men of firmness and valour ; 
who can traverse mountains and deserts, encounter 
hardships, and can face an enemy without terror." — 
The same may be said, we trust, of all New-England. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

A sketch of the political history of Pl3'mouth and 
Massachusetts, has been given till the year 1640. Three 
years after, those colonies, with New-Haven and Con- 
necticut, entered into articles of union and amity, of of- 
fence and defence. 

-One cause assigned for this coalition was, the en- 
croachments of the Dutch settled at New- York : but 
the principal was the necessity of concentrating their 
strength against the Indians, who appeared to be com-* 
bining their forces for the purpose of totally extirpating 
the English. The savages obtaining a knowledge of 
this confederacy, fearful of the issue of their intended 
onset sent many of their principal sachems to offer terms 
of submission. 

In the year 1675, began the distressing and memo- 
rable war with the Indians, commonly denominated 
king Philip's war; Philip being the principal sachem 
engaged against the English. 

This celebrated warrior, whose principal residence 
was at Mount Hope, in Rhode Island, had been for some 
time concerting, with the chiefs of his own and other 
tribes, a plan for totally destroying the English. Per- 
ceiving them extending their settlements in every direc- 



Massachusetts. 43 

tion, and apprehending eventually the loss of all their 
hunting grounds, their liberties, rights and dominion ; 
it is not surprising that their jealousy and resentment 
were roused. 

The war commenced between Philip and the Ply- 
mouth and Massachusetts colonies. Nine of the Eng- 
lish were murdered in Swanzey, a frontier town border- 
ing on the territory of Philip. The alarm was spread 
immediately ; a considerable force raised, and the 
savages pursued to their retreats : but they had fled 
from their dwellings. 

The Narraganset tribe was known to favour the 
cause of Philip ; for to tliat tribe, for safety, Philip had 
sent all his women and children. To strike a terror, 
and to prevent a junction with Philip, the troops raised 
against him immediately marched against the Naragan- 
sets ; who thus taken by surprise, and withoqt the pow- 
er of resistance, were compelled to agree to a treaty of 
alliance; and were to receive " forty coats of cloth for 
Philip, delivered to them alive, and twenty for his 
head." 

Information having been obtained of the retreat of 
Philip, another attack was made upon him, in a swamp, 
where the advantage was mostly on the side of the sa- 
vages ; the assault was without success. 

The Indians had so long lived on friendly terms with 
the English, that they were well acquainted with all 
their towns, and with the situation of each house, as well 
as with the places and times of public worship, their 
roads and their fields, excepting the thickest settlements ; 
the country being a vast wilderness. They hence had 
the power to approach a town in a large body, and put 
the inhabitants to death ; or waylay and despatch them 
in small parties. 

With these advantages, and seemingly in concert, in 
the autumn of this year, there was a general rising of 
the savages throughout New-England ; and no efforts 
of the colonists could cause a discontinuance of their 
murders, their plundering, burning, and bearing away 
captives. 



44 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Several were killed in Mendon ; sixteen in Brook- 
field, and the town burnt; Northfield, Deerfield, and 
Hadley were attacked ; many lives lost, and the build- 
ings mostly destroyed. Springfield was partly saved 
by the opportune arrival of some troops from Connec- 
ticut. 

New-Hampshire and the District of Maine were at- 
tacked at the same time. At Portsmouth, Exeter, Do- 
ver, Kittery, Saco, Sic. their devastations were very ex- 
tensive. It is stated, however, that the savages in 
Maine were not thus cruel without provocation. Seve- 
ral of them were betrayed on board of a ship and sold 
for slaves ; and though the colonies were willing to 
make ample redress, the Indians chose not to await the 
effect of negociation, or the slow progress of justice. 

The P'^arragansets having violated their engage- 
ments, and there being the utmost reason to suppose 
that, if all the Indians should rise against them, the is- 
sue would be at least doubtful, the colonists determin- 
ed, before the savages should have time to unite, to at- 
tack the Narragansets, in their principal town. 

The ?^arraganset warriors only were believed to 
amount to two thousand ; half of whom v;ere armed 
with muskets. Connecticut sent five companies, Ply- 
mouth two, and Massachusetts six ; amounting to six 
hundred and fifty men, besides a company of horse. 
On the 19th of December, after sleeping a stormy night, 
in the open air, and wading through snow sixteen miles, 
about one o'clock the joint forces reached the head 
quarters of the Narragansets. 

These were fortified on a rising ground, in the midst 
of a swamp^ with a palisade, and encompassed with a 
hedge of a rod's thickness. The fortress had but one 
entrance, and this fortunately was at the spot where the 
colonists approached. Here the English captains led 
their troops. The two first. Captains Johnson and Da- 
venport of Massachusetts, with many of their men, 
were instantly shot. 

The savages fought desperately, but after a violent 
and bloody engagement, they were at length overpow- 



MASSACHUSETTS. 45 

ered and compelled to retreat. About six hundred 
wigwams were burnt, and most of their women, chil- 
dren, old men, com, and other stores, were lost in the 
fire. 

In this bloody conflict, which lasted three hours, the 
English lost eighty, killed or mortally wounded ; one 
hundred and fifty of the wounded recovered. Three 
hundred of the savage warriors were killed ; three hun- 
dred and fifty made prisoners, and three hundred wo- 
men and children captured. 

Among the slain of the English were six Captains; 
two have been mentioned, the others were Captaijis 
Gardner, Gallup, Siely, and Marshal. 

In this sanguinary engagement, some may, at this 
day, lament that the old men, women, and children were 
burnt with the wigwams ; but, when it is considered, 
that by the savages not only neither age nor sex had 
been spared, but that by them every species of cruelty 
had been inflicted on the English, we cannot so much 
wonder at this severe retaliation. 

During the succeeding winter, the ravages of the In- 
dians were more enormous than even before. About 
half of Medfield was burnt, a part of Weymouth, the 
whole of Groton, of Warwick, and Marlborough. For- 
ty houses were burnt at Rehoboth. Many other towns 
were assaulted throughout New-England ; some par- 
tially and some wholly' destroyed. 

Captain Wadsworth, with fifty men from Boston, 
when marching to the relief of Sudbury, met a party 
of Indians who fled from him as if from fear. He pur- 
sued them about a mile into the woods, where, thus de- 
coyed, he was surrounded by several hundreds. After 
a desperate engagement they were overpowered, and 
most of them killed. Those unfortunately taken alive, 
were reserved for long tortures and a lingering disso- 
lution. 

Thu5 far the savages appeared to triumph ; but in the 
spring they met a sad reverse. Many friendly Indians 
giving information of the situation of the enemy, the 
English were frequently enabled to surprise them. In 



4^ HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

one of their excursions into the Narraganset country, 
they killed above one hundred; and among them their 
chief. Similar success attended most of their enter- 
prises ; and in a few weeks above five hundred were 
killed. 

King Philip had been to solicit the aid of the Mo- 
hawks, the most fierce and warlike of all the Indians 
of North America ; but met not with success. On his 
return he was lurking about Mount Hope, plotting new 
mischief towards the English. 

When they heard of his situation, Captain Church, 
with about thirty soldiers and twenty friendly Indians, 
were sent in pursuit of him. Ignorant of their ap- 
proach, he was surprised at Mount Hope, One hun- 
dred and thirty of his men were killed, and his wife 
and son made prisoners. 

He escaped ; but his retreat was soon discovered and 
himself slain. His death was the subject of universal 
gratulation among the colonists 5 for this intrepid and 
patriotic savage warrior had long been, more than any 
other chief, their greatest dread. 

The savages, by the loss of so many of their warri- 
ors and their principal chiefs, by being hunted about 
from place to place ; by the loss of their wigwams, and 
being compelled to live on horse flesh and ground nuts, 
(having planted nothing in the spring) were so distress- 
ed by famine and so hopeless of future success, that be- 
fore autumn, they surrendered themselves to the Eng- 
lish, singly, by tens and by hundreds. Others fled to 
the French and to distant tribes ; so that peace was 
very generally restored.* 

* Very great indeed were the losses sustained by this predatory 
war. Nearly 600 of the inhabitants, the greatest part of whom were 
the flower of the country, either fell in battle, or were murdered by 
the savages. Many others were led away into a most miserable cap- 
tivity. Most of the country was in deep mourning. There was 
scarcely a family or individual who had not lost some relative or friend. 
Twelve or thirteen towns were wholly destroyed, and Others greatly 
damaged. About 600 buildings, chiefly dwellinghouses, were con- 
sumed with fire. An almost insupportable debt was contracted by the 
colonies, at a time when their live stock and all other resources had 
suffered a very great diminution. The whole of tliis loss and expense 
was borne solely by tlie colonies. — Trumbull. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 47 

1684. On account of charges of disrespect to the 
laws of England, the charter of the governor and com- 
pany was declared to be forfeited : and two years after, 
Sir Edmund Andros arrived with a commission from 
James the Second, for the government of New-Eng- 
land, not including Plymouth. 

He was invested with powers wholly incompatible 
with the rights and the safety of the colonists, and 
brought with him a small military establishment to en- 
force his government. Three years after, Andros hav- 
ing conducted himself in an arbitrary manner, the pa- 
tience of the colonists was exhausted ; and, on a sud- 
den provocation, they seized the governor and several 
of his council, and resumed the government according 
to charter rights, after mature deliberation of the repre- 
sentatives of fifty-four towns. ' 

In 1692, a new charter arrived from England, by 
which the Plymouth company was incorporated with 
Massachusetts, together with Maine, Nova-Scotia^ Nan- 
tucket, &ic. By this charter the governor was appoint- 
ed by the crown, instead of being elected by the as- 
sembly, and had the power of calling, adjourning, pro- 
rogueing, or dissolving the general court. 
1; No act was to be valid without his consent. Many 
Other important alterations were made : and this char- 
ter continued till the late revolution. 

We should be willing, in silence and sorrow, to pass 
all notice of an infatuation, which prevailed generally 
for a long time, and the consequences of which were the 
imprisonment and other sufferings of a great number, 
and the death of a less : but truth and impartiality com- 
pel us, most reluctantly, to give a very brief account 
of what has usually been called the Salem Witchcraft. 

Early in the year, (1692) two children of the family 
of a clergyman in Salem village, the one eleven, the 
other nine years of age, having been for some time in- 
disposed, and no relief being obtained from medical 
aid, the attending physician suggested the probability 
of their being bewitched. The children, informed of 
their supposed situation, complained of an Indian wo- 



48 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

man, and declared they were " pinched, pricked, and 
tormented" by her. 

Other persons, soon after, afflicted with various com- 
plaints, attributed their sickness to the same cause ; and 
several of the imagined witches were put in prison. In 
the month of June eleven persons were tried, condemn- 
ed, and executed. 

The awful mania increased. In September, nine 
more received sentence of death. Each became sus- 
picious of his neighbour. The charges of witchcraft, 
commencing with the lower part of society, extended 
to all ranks ; even a clergyman, among others, having 
been executed. A confession of guilt became the only 
security for life ; such not being condemned. In Oc- 
tober, the number of persons accused was so great, and 
their standing in society so respectable,*that by general 
consent, all persons were released, and all prosecutions 
dropped. 

The celebrated missionaries, Mayhew and Elliot, 
were very successful in civilizing the Indians, and con- 
verting them to the Christian faith. Notwithstanding 
the opposition of the sachems and priests, there were 
in 1687, more than twenty assemblies of Indians, who 
worshipped God. In 1695, there were not less than 
3000 adult Indian converts, in the islands of INJartha's 
Vineyard and Nantucket. 

" The Boston News Letter,*" (1704) was this year 
issued, being the first newspaper published in America. 

In 1745, Governor Shirley reqtiested the members of 
the general court to lay themselves under an oath of 
secrecy, while he should communicate to them a pro- 
posal of great importance. This was a plan for attack- 
ing Louisburg, a town belonging to the French on the 
Island of Cape Breton, fortified with a rampart of stone 
thirty-six feet high, and a ditch eighty feet wide, and 
batteries, in different situations containing about two 
hundred cannon. 

After long debate, the proposal was carried by a ma- 
jority of one. Circulars were sent to all the colonies, 
as far as Pennsylvania, for forces, which were immedi- ■ 



MASSACHUSETTS. 49 

alely raised in the New-England colonies; the others 
refusing. Sir William Pepperell was appointed com- 
mander of the expedition. 

Of the forces, ?vlassachusctts raised three thousand 
two hundred and fifty, exclusive of commissioned of- 
ficers : Connecticut raised five hundred and sixteen : 
and Rhode-Island and New-Hampshire, each three hun- 
dred. The whole naval force consisted of twelve ships 
and smaller vessels. In two months the army was en- 
listed and fit for service. On the 24th of March they 
set sail from Boston. 

Application had been made to Commodore Warren, 
then in the West Indies, commanding a considerable 
squadron, for assistance. Considering it a colonial af- 
fair, and having no authority from England, he declin- 
ed engaging. 

This unexpected news reached Governor Shirley be-' 
fore the troops sailed. He kept it a secret, lest the in- 
formation should dampen the ardour of the troops. 
Soon after, however, Commodore Warren received or- 
ders from England to go to Boston and consult with 
Shirley, with regard to his majesty's general service in 
America ; and he arrived in season to aid in the enter- 
prise. 

Before the last of April the troops all arrived : nor 
were the French apprised of the intended approach of 
an enemy till alarmed by the sight of them. Soon af- 
ter their arrival. Commodore Warren appeared in the 
Superb of sixty guns, and in a short time others of his 
squadron ; so that a formidable fleet soon was seen 
cruising off Louisburg. 

The troops were landed, though not without some 
loss ; a party of one hundred and fifty having been sent 
to oppose them. Four hundred men marched to the 
north-east harbour, burning all the st'ores and houses, 
till they were within a mile of the grand battery. 

The smoke made it impossible for the French to dis- 
cern the number of their opposers : they therefore, un- 
der the belief that the whole army were coming upon 
them, threw their powder into the well, and fled to the 

C 



50 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

town. The battery was immediately possessed by the 
English, and the guns that were left, forty-two pomid- 
ers, were turned upon the town. 

For fourteen nights the army continued drawing their 
mortars, cannon, shot, &cc. over a deep morass two miles 
in length ; as the morass was such that horses or oxen 
would be buried in mud. This service was performed 
principally by the stoutest of the militia of Massachu- 
setts, who had been accustomed to drawing pine logs. 
The night, or a i^oggy day only, could be had for this 
purpose, as they were all the time within the random 
shot of the cannon of the town. 

Meanwhile the vessels cruising off the harbour made 
prize of the Vigilant, a French seventy-four gun ship, 
liaving on board five hundred and sixtj^ men, and all 
kinds of military stores. This capture, with that of 
several vessels from the West Indie;?, depriving the 
French of all hope of further assistance, tended much 
to hasten the capitulation. 
1 The attack continued till the fifteenth of June : when, 
several batteries being damaged or silenced, and per- 
ceiving that preparations were making by the vessels of 
war for a grand attack, the French commander request- 
ed a Cessation of hostilities ; and on the seventeenth the 
city of Louisburg and the Island of Cape Breton, were 
surrendered to the British, after a siege of forty-nine 
days. 

The capitulation at this time was extremely fortu- 
nate : for notwithstanding the capture of the Vigilant, 
the besiegers were almost destitute of powder; and the 
next day incessant rains commenced, which continued 
ten days. 

Thus was surrendered a place so strongly fortified, 
that it had been called the Gibraltar of America ; which 
had been twenty-five years in building, and at an ex- 
pense of five and a half millions of dollars. Success, 
however, has by many been attributed rather to a con- 
currence of fortunate circumstances, than to the wisdom 
of the undertaking. 

The French court were resolved to be revenged on 



MASSACHUSETTS. 51 

the Eugllsli colonists ; and sent (1746) the Duke D'An- 
ville, with forty ships of war and fifty-six transports, 
with three thousand five hundred land forces, and forty 
thousand stand of small arms, for the use of the Cana- 
dians and Indians. A storm scattered this formidable 
fleet : some of the ships were lost 5 others returned to 
France or bore away for the West Indies. 

D'Anville arrived at Chebucto, with two ships of the 
line and three or four transports only, and waited till he 
despaired of the arrival of the rest; when he was so 
affected with chagrin and mortification, that he sudden- 
ly died of an apoplexy ; or, as the English assert, by 
poison : and the Vice-Admiral, who arrived the next 
day, with four ships of the line, in despair ran himself 
through the body. 

The intention of invading New-England was then 
relinquished : but the fleet sailed from Chebucto to at- 
tack Annapolis, (Nova-Scotia.) This fleet was over- 
taken by a storm, scattered, and wrecked. 

Thus was New-England saved from a bloody contest 
and probable defeat. The maritime towns had been 
put in the best state of defence possible. Half of the 
militia of Massachusetts were at Boston. But to re- 
sist the powerful naval armament of the French was 
considered almost hopeless. " Never was a disappoint- 
ment more severe on the part of the French, nor a de- 
liverance more complete, without human aid, in favour 
of this country." 

Most of the affairs of this state from this time will, 
with more propriety, come under a sketch of the histo- 
ry of the United States. In 1780 was formed, by con- 
vention, the present constitution of the state : and in 
the same year was incorporated the American Academy 
of Arts and Sciences. 

Debts due among individuals from one to another, 
which they were unable to pay, were the principal, 
among many other causes, which 6ccasioned an insur- 
rection in this state, in the autumn of 1786. In conse- 
quence of a convention of delegates held in August, 
about fifteen hundred insurgents, with arms, took pos- 



52 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

session of the court house in Northampton, and forcibly 
prevented the sitting of the courts of common pleas and 
general sessions of the peace. Similar proceedings 
took place in the counties of Worcester, Middlesex, 
Berkshire, and Bristol. 

January, 1787. No prospect appearing of suppress- 
ing the insurgents but by force, four thousand troops 
were ordered out to quell the insurrection ; and the 
command of them given to General Lincoln. There 
being a continental arsenal at Springfield, Gen. Shep- 
hard was ordered to take possession of it, lest it should 
fall into the hands of the malcontents. 

A person by the name of Daniel Shays, heading about 
twelve hundred of the insurgents, marched within one 
liundred yards of the barracks ; when Gen. Shephard, 
who had twice assured them of his determination, should 
they attempt an attack, ordered two shots to be fired 
over their heads, which rather encouraged than deterred 
their march. He then levelled at the centre of their 
column. Three men were killed and one wounded ; and 
the insurgents, retreating with the cry of murder, fled 
to Ludlow, a distance of about ten miles. 

The main body of the insurgents were posted at Pe- 
tersham in the beginning of Februar3^ Gen. Lincoln, 
having received information of their situation, march- 
ed, most of a Saturday night, in one of the most severe 
snow storms ever known, and suddenly fell upon them. 
'I*hey, little expecting the possibility of a march of 
thirty miles, in such an inclement night, and totally un- 
prepared, fled in every direction. About one hundred 
and fifty were taken : the rest fled, mostly to their own 
homes. Fourteen of the principal ofl'enders, who had 
not escaped, were condemned to be hung, but were af- 
terwards pardoned : and thus this disgraceful insurrec- 
tion was quelled. 

VERMONT. 

Fort Dumraer was built by Massachusetts, on Con- 
necticut river, in 1724, and in 1731 a fort was built at 



VERMONT. 53 

^ Crown Point, by the French frosa Canada, within the 
present limits of Vermont. In 1741, a boundary line 
was run between Massachusetts ajid New-Hampshire. 
In 1749, Benning Wentwortli, governor of New-Hamp- 
shire, concluding that the boundary of that colony ex- 
tended as far west as that of Massachusetts; that is, to 
within twenty mile? of the Hudson ; made a grant of 
a township of land of six miles square, which fi*om his 
own first name was called Bennington. Other grants 
were subsequently made, and several towns planted on 
llie west side of Connecticut river. 

The British king, in the year 1764, annexed the ter- 
ritory west of Connecticut river to the colony of New- 
York ; the government of which demanded new grants 
from the settlers. 

This was refused : and the next year the quarrel 
arose so high, that in attempting to execute the judg- 
ments of the courts of New-York, several of the officers 
were resisted and wounded. At the head of this oppo- 
sition were the famous Ethan Allen, and Col. Warner, 
men of stability, coolness, and resolution. 

In 1774, the government of New-York passed a law 
demanding the surrender of all offenders under severe 
penalties, and offering a bounty of fifty pounds per head 
on the apprehension of eight of the principal and most 
obnoxious settlers. W^hile preparing for civil war, the 
revolution commenced, the importance of which ab- 
sorbed all minor considerations. 

In 1777, the declaration of independence having left 
the settlers in an awkward situation, a convention of 
representatives from the towns on both sides of the 
mountains, was held at Westminster, and the District 
was declared to be a free and independent state. It 
received its name, Vermont, from the French words, 
verd mont, or green mountain, which name had been 
conferred by Ethan Allen on the mountains, and was 
now transferred to the state. 

Admission to the Union was requested ; but Congress 
dismissed the petition. New-York demanded the in- 
terference of Congress to support her claims. Litde 



54 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

notice was taken of the demand. The inhabitants were 
a hardy and brave race of men, and strenuous in the 
support of tlie revolution. They were also in the 
neighbourhood of the enemy ; and it was deemed dan- 
gerous to excite their fears, or irritate them at this junc- 
ture. 

After the peace of 1783, Vermont felt little solicitous 
for admission into tlie Union ; the affairs of the state 
being quiet and prosperous. 

In 1790, the long continued dispute betw^een New- 
York and Vermont was at last adjusted ; the latter giv- 
ing twenty thousand dollars for the quit claim of the 
former. The next j^ear Vermont renewed her request 
for admission into the federal union, and an act of Con- 
gress was passed for that purpose. A constitution was 
formed for this state in 1778 : was revised in 1786 and 

1792. The present constitution was established in 

1793. A seminary, styled a university, was establish- 
ed at Burlington in 1791. Another more flourishing, 
was founded at Middlebury in 1800. 

The population of Vermont has been \ery rapid. 
In 1790, the number of souls was eighty-five thousand ; 
ten years after, one hundred and fifty-four thousand ; 
and in 1810, two hundred and eighteen thousand. 

CONNECTICUT. 

The first settlement of Connecticut was in the year 
1633. Several people from the Plymouth compan^^, 
principally for the profits of trade in beaver and hemp, 
sailed to the river Connecticut, with the materials of a 
bouse on board. The Dutch at New-Netherlands, hav^ 
ing previously heard of their intention, had just before 
erected a light fort, with two cannon, on the spot where 
Hartford now stands. 

On the approach of the Plymouth adventurers, the 
Dutch forbade them to proceed. But the commander, 
paying no attention to their orders or threats, resolute- 
ly proceeded by the fort, and landed on the west side, 
where a house was built and palisadoed. 



CONNECTICUT. 55 

In the autumn of 1635, sixty men, women, and cliil- 
dren, with horses, cattle and swine, from Dorchester, 
IVewtown, and Watertovvn, Mass. explored their way 
through the then wilderness, and commenced settlements 
in Windsor, Weathersfield, and Hartford. 

The same year. John Winthrop, son of the Governor 
of Massachusetts, arrived from England with a com- 
mission from Lords Say and Seal and Brook, and others, 
as governor of the river Connecticut and the territory 
adjoining. He brought with him men, ordnance, am- 
munition, and two thousand pounds for the building of 
a fort. 

A Dutch vessel soon after hove in sight near the fort, 
sent from New-Netherlands to drive away the English ; 
laying claim from the right of a supposed prior disco- 
very. They were not however allowed to land, the 
English fort being already too strong for them. 

1637. The Pequot Indians having killed and made 
captives of several of the colonists, after a convention 
on the subject at Hartford, seventy-seven Englishmen 
and sev^eral hundred friendly Indians under the command 
of Captain John Mason, marched to their frontier. 

The principal settlement of the Pequots was on a 
hill in the present town of Groton. The English troops 
were divided into two divisions, and the Pequot fort 
was attacked, at dawn of dny, on the eastern and v/est- 
ern sides. After discharging their muskets through the 
palisadoes, they entered the fort sword in hand. 

A short conflict ensued, when Mason seized a fire- 
brand and set fire to some mats with which the wigwams 
were covered ; and the English then withdrew without 
the fort. In one hour seventy wigwams were burnt ; 
and above six hundred of the Pequots perished by the 
sword and the flames. Two Englishmen were killed 
and sixteen wounded. 

This great victory being succeeded by others of less 
magnitude, soon dispersed or rendered harmless the re- 
mains of tiie tribe. 

1638. John Davenport, a clergyman from London^ 
with many others, arrived, and purchased large tracts 



5G HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of land of the Indians, regardless of the protests of the 
Dutch Governor of New-Netherlands ; and settled at 
New-Haven. 

1639. Finding themselves not within the jurisdiction 
of Massachusetts, the colonists determined to form a 
constitution for themselves, by voluntary agreement. 
On the 14th of January the freemen met at Hartford, 
and adopted that form of constitution, which with little 
alteration, continued till the year 1818. 

The New-Haven colony, in June, formed also a con- 
stitution of civil government, different from that of the 
Connecticut colon}', making church members only free 
burgesses, and declaring that " the scriptures were a 
perfect rule, for the government of all men, in com- 
monwealth as well as in matters of church." 

1662. Charles the Second granted the charter of 
Connecticut under the great seal of England, in its 
principal points conformably to the constitution adopt- 
ed by the colonists so long before. It included the 
New-Haven colony; which colony, however, did not 
accede to it till three years after ; when the two were 
united in one : the two colonies at this time containing 
nineteen towns. 

1687. A quo warranto, under James the Second, 
having been issued against the governor and company 
of Connecticut, which had not been legally adjusted, 
when Sir Edmund Andros was appointed Governor of 
New-England, he attempted to wrest from Connecticut 
its charter. 

James the Second was obstinate, cruel, and a bigot- 
ted Roman Catholic.^ His design was to reunite all 
the colonies to the crown. The charters of Massachu- 
setts and Rhode-Island had been vacated ; but the go- 
vernor and company of Connecticut spared no pains to 
preserve their chartered rights. 

It became necessary, with such a character as Andros, 
to dissemble a little ; and in their petition to the king, 
they desired, if these rights could not be retained, and 
it should be resolved to put them under another govern- 
ment, that it might be under Sir Edmund's, as the Mas.- 



CONNECTICUT. 



'^>t 



sachusetts had been their former correspondents and 
confederates. This was construed into a resignation, 
though nothing could be further from the design of the 
colony. 

Sir Edmund came to Hartford, uith sixty regular 
troops, during the October session of the Assembly, and 
made a demand of the charter.- After a debate till 
evening, the charter was at length produced, and laid 
on the table ; when the lights were suddenly extinguish- 
ed, and one of the members priv^ately conveyed it away, 
and hid it in a large oak tree that bad a cavity in its 
trunk. 

The candles were relighted, but the charterwas gone. 
Andros assumed the government. After the seizure of 
Andros at Boston, the magistrates reassumed the go- 
vernment ; and in 1691 the old charter was acknowledg- 
ed valid, nojudgment having been entered against it. 

The government of Sir Edmund was begun with flat- 
tering professions of his regard to the public safety and 
happiness ; but Gov. Hutchinson observes, that " Nero 
concealed his tyrannical disposition iixore years than 
Sir Edmund and his creatures did months." 

He soon laid a restraint upon theliberty of the press. 
Magistrates only were allowed to join people in the 
banns of wedlock ; and this he prohibited, unless bonds 
with sureties, were first given the governor. He sus- 
pended the laws for the support of the Gospel, and me- 
naced the people, that if they resisted his will, their 
meeting houses should be taken from them. The com- 
mon probate fee ^'^^ fifty shillings, and the widow and 
fatherless were obliged to appear at Boston to transact 
iill business relative to the settlement of estates. 

He taxed the people at his pleas'ure, and at length de- 
clared that the titles of the colonists to their lands were 
of no value. The purchasers and cultivators, after fif- 
ty and sixty years improvement, were obliged to take 
out patents for their estates, paying the most exorbitant 
Zees : " All New-England groaned under his oppres- 



sion." 



In 1700, ten of the principal ministers were nomi- 

G2 



58 HISTOHY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

nated as trustees, to found, erect, and govern a college : 
and the next year, on application to the general assem- 
bl}^, a charter of incorporation was granted, together 
with the annual sum of one hundred and twenty pounds. 
It was at first founded at Saybrook, but, for greater 
convenience, it was, in the year 1717, removed to New- 
Haven ; and named Yale College, in honour of its 
principal benefactor. Governor Yale. 

1654. The charter of Connecticut extending the 
boundary of the colony westward to the Southern or 
Pacific Ocean, purchases were made of the Indians, by 
many of the inhabitants, called the Susquehannah and 
Delaware companies, of a large tract of land west of 
the Delaware, and spreading over the eastern and west- 
ern branches of the Susquehannah. The settlers w-ere 
afterwards incorporated with the county of Litchfield. 

The charter of Pennsylvania covering a part of the 
same territory, a dispute was maintained with consider- 
able warmth for a long time. At the close of the re- 
volutionary war, that part of the territory which was 
covered by the Pennsylvania charter, being decided by 
arbitration to belong to that state, Connecticut yielded 
to Congress all her charter right to the land west of 
Pennsylvania, reserving only a tract of tbe width of 
the state of Connecticut, and one hundred and twenty 
miles in length, lying north of Lake Erie, and compris- 
ing about four millions of acres. 

Of this tract, in 1793, half a^ million of acres were 
granted b}^ the legislature to the sufl'erers of the several 
towns that were burnt during the revolutionary war. 

During the revolution great changes were made in 
all the states with regard to their form of government, 
and new constitutions adopted, Connecticut and Rhode- 
Island only excepted. Connecticut while a colony of 
Great Britain, from the time of its first settlement till 
it received a charter from Charles the Second, and from 
that time till l8tS, has ever elected its own governor 
and subordinate oflicers. Hence, while changes were 
necessary in other states, little alteration was supposed 
to be needed in this. A new constitution was, however, 



RHODE-ISLAND. o9 

adopted in 1818, similar in most respects to those of the 
neighbouring states. 

RHODE-ISLAND. 

From some supposed errors in theology, in the view 
of some, and from real and great errors, both in his 
opinions and conduct, in the view of others, Mr. Roger 
Williams,* a minister of Salem, Mass. was summoned, 
in 1 G36, to appear before the general court, and all the 
ministers of the colony. One of the ministers, " Mr. 
Hooker, was appointed to dispute with him ; but could 
not reduce him from any of his errors } so the next 
morning the court sentenced him to depart out of the 
jurisdiction within six weeks ; all the ministers save one 
approving the sentence."! 

Thus expelled, Mr. Williams went to Seconk, now 
Rehoboth, and purchased land of an Indian sachem. 
Having learned that he was within the jurisdiction of 
Plymouth colony, he went to Mooshausic, and began a 
plantation, which, on account of the kindness of hea- 
ven towards him, he called Providence. 

1638. W^illiam Coddington, who has been styled the 
father of Rhode-Island, a w^ealthy and respectable mer- 
chant of Boston, having been, as he conceived, perse- 
cuted, for assisting the famous Ann Hutchinson, on her 
trial for heresy ; John Clark having been sentenced to 
quit the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, for delivering a 
seditious and erroneous sermon, and for contempt of the 
magistracy ; with others, amounting to eighteen inthe 
whole, having removed fronxMassachusettSy purchased 
of the sachems the island Aquetneck, and soon after 
began a settlement on the eastern part of it. 
- On account of the fruitful nes? and the salubrity of 
the climate, it was compared to the Island of Rhodes ; 
which, by transposition, soon became Rhode-Island, 



* Whatever his errors were, he was, in one important pomt, more 
illuminated tiian his brethren: " That to punish a man for any matter 
of conscieuce is persecution."-— rn<m6«Z/. t Winthrop's Journal. 



60 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The neiLt summer, many of their friends followed them, 
and began another settlement on the western side of the 
Island, dividing the Island into two townships, Ports- 
mouth and Newport. They incorporated themselves 
into a body politic, and chose Mr. Coddington their 
first chief magistrate. 

The inhabitants of Providence, to the amount of for- 
t}^ (1640) agreed upon a form of government. Rhode- 
Island and Providence soon began to be extensively 
settled. One great cause of which was the perfect free- 
dom of conscience that was allowed to men of all re- 
ligious denominations ; a fundamental article with the 
first settlers being, that " every one who submits peace- 
ably to the civil authority, may peaceably worship God 
a<:cording to the dictates of his own conscience, with- 
out molestation." Hence here was a safe retreat for 
those who had been, or feared being excommunicated, 
banished, imprisoned, or otherwise punished, for difler- 
ence of religious opinions, in Massachusetts. 

1644. The plantation having no patent, Roger Wil- 
liams went to England and obtained of the Earl of 
Warwick a free charter of incorporation of Providence 
and Rhode-Island Plantations. The form of govern- 
ment was left to the choice of the colonists. 

A president and four commissioners were chosen as 
conservators of the peace. The legislative authority 
was vested in a court of commissioners, consisting of 
six persons from each of tl?e four towns, Providence, 
Portsmouth, New^port, and Warwick. Their acts were 
binding unless repealed by a majority of the freemen. 
Six persons were elected ^in each town to try small 
causes, and to manage town affairs. From their deci- 
sion, however, an appeal could be made to the president 
and his assistants. 

The first general assembly was held in May, 1647, a 
body of laws enacted, and a permanent mode of go- 
vernment commenced. 

1662. Application having been made to Charles the 
Second, a royal charter was granted to Rhode-Island 
and Providence Plantations. It appointed an assem- 



RHODE-ISLAND. 61 

bly to consist of a governor, deputy- governor, and tea 
assistants, with the representatives from the several 
towns, all to be chosen by the freemen : the assembly 
to meet annually on the first Wednesday in May, and 
last Wednesday in October. 

From this time to the present day, little alteration has 
taken place in the form of government. The legisla- 
ture passed an act (1663) that all men professing Chris- 
tianit}' , and of competent estate, excepting Roman Ca- 
tholics, should be admitted freemen, and have liberty 
to choose or be chosen to office, civil or military. 

1665. Soon after the accession of James the Se- 
cond, a quo warranto was issued against Rhode-Island ; 
and she was deprived of her chartered privileges, the 
next year, by Sir Edmund Aiidros ; who dissolved the 
government, broke the seal, and, admitting five of the 
inhabitants into his legislative council, took the reins of 
government into his own hands : in whose hands they 
continued, till^ James having abdicated the throne, and 
Andros having been seized in Boston, the freemen met 
at Newport and voted to resume their charter, reinstat- 
ing all the general officers v,ho were, three years be- 
fore, displaced. 

Rhode-Island continued to increase in population, 
commerce, and agriculture. In 17.30 the number of its 
inhabitants was eighteen thousand ; in 1761, the num- 
ber exceeded forty thousand. Brown University was 
founded in 1764, at Warren, and a few years after was 
removed to Providence. It received its name from 
Nicholas Brown, E^q. who gave the institution five 
thousand dollars. 



CHAPTER III. 

«■ 

New-Yorkf New-Jersey, Delaware, PennsT/lvania, and 
— Maryland. 

Discovery of therlyer Hudson — Settlement of the Dutch at .Manhat- 
tan — Submission to the English — Reassumption of the Dutch — In- 
dian war — Disputes with Connecticut — Grant of Charles thp second 
to his brother the Duke of York — Manhattan surrendered to the 
English — Called New-York — taken by the Dutch — Again surren- 
dered to the English — Papal ascendency — Leisler and his party — 
Death of Leisler — Fletcher's attempt to command the militia of Con- 
necticut — Fruitless enterprize against Canada — Congress at Alba- 
ny — Settlement of New-Jersey — Division of the province — Burling- 
ton settled — Purchase of Penn — Barkley appointed Governor-^The 

government surrendered to the Crown — Union of the provinces 

Princeton College — settlement of Delaware by the Swedes and Fins 
— Victory of the Dutch — Surrender to the English — Granted to 
Pennsylvania — partial separation from Pennsylvania — Made a sepa- 
rate province — Patent to William Penn — Settlement of Philadelphia 
—Form of government — New charter granted by Penn — a second, 
and thirds— Emission of paper money — Jndiaii grants of land — Li- 
brary — Relinquishment of Penn's heirs — Clayborne settles on Kent 
Island — Patent of Maryland to Lord Baltimore — Settlement of St. 
Mary's — General Assembly — Indian war — Rebellion of Clayborne — 
Civil war — Seat of government removed to Annapolis. 

NEW-YORK. 

IN the year 1609, Hndson, an English navigator in 
the service of the Dutch, after an unsuccessful attempt 
to find a passage to the East Indies by a north-westerly 
course, coasting from Newfoundland to Virginia, dis- 
covered Manhattan, and sailed into the river which has 
since borne his name. 

The Dutch, the next year sent vessels to Manhattan 
for the purpose of trade. Hudson afterwards sold his 
right to the Dutch ; if any right he could have ; being 
himself a British subject ; and both the French and the 



NEW-YORK. 63 

English having before discovered the countr}^, and de- 
clared their intention, that their subjects should imjue- 
diately plant it. 

1613. Captain Argal from Virginia, on his return 
from the demolition of the French settlements in Aca- 
die, demanded of the Dutch governor, at the settlements 
on the Hudson, possession of the territory and submis- 
sion of himself and company to the English. The go- 
vernor, having no means of resistance, was compelled 
to comply. 

1614. A new Dutch governor was sent from Holland 
with a reinforcement of troops, who refused to sanction 
the stipulations made by his predecessor, but asserted 
the claim of Holland to^ the territory. On the south 
end of the Island of Manhattan, the place where New- 
York now stands, he built a fort for defence, and held 
the country by the name of the New-Netherlands, un- 
der a grant from the States' General. Little, however, 
was done towards a permanent Si ttlement, till the year 
1629, when Gov. Van Twiller arrived at Fort Amster- 
dam, and began to divide and cultivate the lands. 

1646. A great and severe battle was fought between 
the Dutch and Indians with mutual obstinacy and fury, 
in that part of Horseneck commonly called Strickland's 
Plain. Great numbers were killed on both sides, but 
the Dutch were eventually victorious. For more than 
an hundred years after, the graves of the dead were ta 
be seen, resembling little hills. 

Peter Stuyvesant, as governor, arrived at Fort Am- 
sterdam in 1647, and laid claim to all the lands, rivers, 
and streams, from Cape Henlcpen to Cape Cod. Three 
years after he went to Hartford, and demanded a sur- 
render to the Dutch of all the lands on Connecticut river. 

After a controversy of several days the subject was 
left to the decision of arbitratoi^, agreed upon by the 
parties, who concluded articles of adjustment with regard 
to boundaries and occupancy of l^aids already settled. 

Long Island was divided ; the eastern part to belong 
to the English, the western to the Dutch. On^the main, 
the boundaries were amicably adjusted. The Dutch 



64 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

were to hold the hinds on Connecticut river, of which 
they were then possessed ; the residue on each side the 
river to belong to the English. 

1664. King Charles the Second, fearful of the con- 
sequences of having the Dutch settled in the midst of 
his colonies, determined to dispossess them ; ^nd, for 
this purpose, made a grant to his brother, the Duke of 
York and Albany, of all the territory claimed by the 
Dutch, together with other parts of North America ; 
the patent including all the main land of New-England, 
beginning at St. Croix, extending to the rivers Con- 
necticut and Hudson, " together with the said river call- 
ed Hudson's river, and all the lands from the west side 
of Connecticut river to the east side of Delaware bay." 
The Dutch claimed from Connecticut river to the De- 
laware and the lands on its western side. 

To make the patent valid^ it was necessary that mi- 
litary force should be employed. The king issued a 
commission to Colonel Richard Nichols, Sir Robert 
Carr, George Cartwright, and Samuel Maverick, to 
hear and determine complaints and appeals in all causes, 
military, criminal, and civil, within New-England ; and 
to proceed in all things for settling the peace and secu- 
rity of the country. 

Colonel Nichols, who commanded the expedition, ar^- 
rived in Boston, in July. He showed his commission 
and the king's request for troops to assist in tlie reduc- 
tion of tlie Dutch plantations. The general court of 
Massachusetts not being in sessions, the council advised 
a postponement of the requisition till the meeting of 
the legislature- 
Nichols had with him four frigates and three hun- 
dred soldiers, which he supposed sufficient for the reduc- 
tion of Fort Amsterdam. He therefore chose not to 
wait for assistance ; butproceeded immediately to Man- 
hattan. Appearing before the fort, the governor, Stuy- 
vesant, required the motive of the appearance of the 
frigates. Nichols demanded a surrender of the fort. 
The Dutch governor refused. Messages were inter- 
changed. 



NEW-YORK. 65 

The Commissioners issued a proclamation inviting 
the colonists to submit, and offering terms far from un- 
favourable. The commander of the squadron was or- 
dered to reduce the fort. This expedition having been 
undertaken some time before thcdeclaration of war be- 
tween England and Holland, the fort was in ill condi- 
tion to resist so unexpected and so superior a force. 
Stuyvesant surrendered on the 27th of August ; the 
most liberal terms of capitulation being granted. 

By the terms of surrender, the governor and the in- 
habitants were to become British subjects ; to possess 
their estates without molestation, enjoy their modes of 
worship without hindrance, &Z.C. New-Amsterdam, 
which bad been laid out for a town, eight years before, 
was now called, in honour of the Diike of York, New- 
York : as fort Orange, shortly after, was called Albany, 
on its surrender, without resistance, to Colonel Nichols. 

The squadron then sailed for the Delaware to reduce 
the Dutch and Swedes on that bay and river, who soon 
were compelled to surrender to the English. 

Colonel Nichols represents the town as being, at this 
time, "composed of a few miserable houses, occupied 
by men extremely poor, and the whole in a mean con- 
dition." He, however, prognosticated its greatness, if 
indulged with immunities by him then recommended. 

1665. Previous to his departure, Nichols erected a 
court of assizes, consisting of the governor, council, 
and justices of the peace, who this year collected a code 
of laws and usages. On the 1 2th of June, the inhabi- 
tants of New-York were incorporated wnder the direc'* 
tion of a mayor, five aldermen, and a sheriff. 

On the conclusion of the treaty of Breda, Holland 
peaceably yielded New-Netherlands to the English. 

1673. On the renewal of the war between England 
and Holland, the Dutch sent a small squadron to the 
American coast, to injure the commerce of the English 
colonies. Receiving information that New-York was 
in no state of defence, the squadron directed its course 
to Staten Island. Without the exchange of a shot, 
New-York surrendered. The fort surrendering, the 



66 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

town, Long Island, Esopus, and Albany, followed tlie 
example, and most of them swore allegiance to the 
Prince of Orange. 

By the treaty of peace, the succeeding year, New- 
Netherlands was restored to the English. The Duke 
of York took out a new patent ; Andros was made go- 
vernor of New-Y"ork; and to him the Dutch patiently 
submitted. 

1683. The court of assizes, council, and corporation 
of New-York having requested that the people should 
have a participation in the choice of their rulers, on the 
arrival of Thomas Dongan, the royal governor, orders 
were given to summon the freeholders for the choice of 
representatives. The assembly consisted of a council 
of ten : the number of the house of representatives was 
eighteen. 

Such, however, was the tyrannical temper of James 
the Second, that he, on the renewal of Governor Don- 
gan's commission, refused, when king, to confirm the 
privileges granted when he was duke. The assembly 
was prohibited ; printing presses forbidden ; the gover- 
nor, and many of the principal crown officers were pro- 
fessed papists ; and the colonists were in expectation of 
the establishment of popery by law. 

The general disaffection of the people was much in- 
creased, when information was received of the seizure 
of Sir Edmund Andros at Boston. Jacob Leisler, with 
forty-nine others, seized upon the fort. The governor 
being absent, the lieutenant-governor, Francis Nichol- 
son, with the council and civil officers, made all the op- 
position in their power to Leisler ; but he (June 3, 1689) 
was joined by six captains and four hundred and seven- 
ty men ; who signed a declaration agreeing to hold the 
fort for the Prince of Orange. 

Nicholson absconded, and Leisler assumed supreme 
authority. Leisler's assumption of supreme command 
excited the eiivy and hatred of many of the people ; at 
the head of whom were Colonel Bayard and the may- 
or ; who, being unable to make effectual resistance in 
New-York, retired to Albany. The people at Albany. 



NEW-YORK^ 67 

determined to hold their fort for William and Mary, 
but not under the authority of Leislcr. 

A letter arriving from England, directed to " Fran- 
cis Nicholson, Esq. or, in his absence, to such as for 
the time being, take care for preserving the peace and 
administering the laws ;" Nicholson having absconded, 
Leisler considered the letter directed to himself, and 
assumed the title and authority of lieutenant-governor. 

Albany refused subjection ; to compel which, Leisler 
sent his son-in-law, Milborn, with an armed force. He 
did not ctt this time succeed ; but, the next spring, (1690) 
the fort at Albany was reduced, and the inhabitants 
were forced to submit to the authority of Leisler. 
Nicholson and Bayard were imprisoned till the arrival 
of Colonel Sloughter as the king's governor. Even 
then, Leisler refused to surrender the fort or to release 
the prisoners. At which conduct the people became so 
generally exasperated, that Leisler, finding opposition 
vain, abandoned the fort, was apprehended, with Mil- 
born and other of their adherents ; who were tried, and 
Leisler and his son-in-law were condemned to death. 

The people felt so deeply resentful towards these 
men, that nothing would satisfy them but their imme- 
diate execution. The governor, fearful of the conse- 
quences that might result from the execution of men 
who had so fervently appeared for the king, and done 
so much to bring about the revolution, was unwilling to 
gratify their earnest wishes. 

As the governor could not be overpowered by solici- 
tation, he was invited to a sumptuous entertainment ; 
and, when his reason was lost in his cups, he was pre- 
vailed upon to sign the death warrant of these men ; 
who were executed before he was restored to his senses. 

The revolution brought about great advantages to 
New-York. An assembly was called by the governor, 
who formed a constitution or bill of rights ; securing 
trial by jury ; freedom from taxes without the consent 
of the assembly ; toleration to all Christians, except 
papists, &ic. The law against papists was afterwards 
repealed by king William. 



68 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

1693. By the charter of Connecticut that state had 
exclusive power over its own militia ; but by the ple- 
nary powers vested in the governor of New-York, he 
had also command over them. Fletcher, the governor, 
insisted on submission ; Connecticut as steadily refused. 
Fletcher went to Hartford while the legislature was in 
session, to compel submission. 

He ordered his commission and instructions to be read 
to the trainbands of Hartford, then under exercise of 
their senior officer, Captain Wadsworth. As soon as 
the reading commenced, the Captain ordered the drums 
to beat. It was in vain tlie Governor commanded si- 
lence. Three attempts were made to read, each of 
which was vairi ; the governor crying out, " Silence, 
silence," and the captain bawling, " Drum, drum." 

At length the governor, on being told by Wadsworth 
that if he again interrupted his drumming, he " would 
make the sun shine through him," relinquished all hopes 
of success against such obstinacy, and returned to 
New-York. 

In the fruitless attempt to conquer Canada in 1709, 
the province of New-York discovered much zeal. Be- 
sides raising several companies, the province procured 
gix hundred Indians, whose wages she paid, and main- 
tained a thousand of their wiv^s and children at Alba- 
ny, while they were in the campaign, at the expense of 
above twenty thousand pounds. 

When a subsequent attempt was made, two years af- 
ter, for the same purpose, New-York was at far great- 
er expense, and suffered much by her exertions. 

1711. Nicholson having been successful the preced- 
ing year in the reduction of Port Royal, solicited Queen 
Anne for another expedition against Canada. Con- 
trary to general expectation the request was granted. 
New-England, New-York, New-Jersey and Pennsyl- 
vania, provided the quotas of men intended for the ex- 
pedition. General Nicholson, after having attended a 
meeting of the governors of the several provinces at 
New-London, to consult on measures relative to the ex- 
pedition, proceeded to Albany to take command of the 



NEW-YORK. 69 

troops of Connecticut, New-York and New- Jersey, con- 
sisting of about a thousand Palatines, who had come 
to New-Y'^ork some time before ; six hundred Indians, 
and the regiments commanded by Colonels Whiting, 
Schuyler and Ingoldsby ; amounting, in the whole, to 
upwards of four thousand. 

The fleet, consisting of fifteen men of war, forty 
transports, six store ships, and an excellent train of ar- 
tillery, under the command of Sir Hovenden Walker, 
set sail from Boston with a land arm}', consisting of five 
regiments from Europe, and two from Massachusetts, 
Rhode-Island and New-Hampshire, makingin the whole 
about seven thousand. 

The Admiral arrived in the St. Lawrence on the 
fourteenth of August, and on the 22d, in a thick fog, 
dark sky and high wind, at south-east, the fleet was 
driven on the rocks and shoals of the north shore ; eight 
or nine of the British transports were lost, and above 
a thousand lives, besides great damage done to the ves- 
sels saved. The admiral bore away for Spanish baj^ 
where, after full consultation, it was agreed to abandon 
the expedition. 

General Nicholson, who had proceeded as far as Lake 
George, when he received information of the failure of 
the enterprise, retreated with his troops. And thus 
ended in failure an expedition, in which New-York 
bore a large share. 

1754. There being a general expectation that war 
would soon take place between England and France, 
the operations of which would be principally in Ame- 
rica, a general convention of delegates from New-Hamp- 
shire, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Penn- 
sylvania, Maryland, with the lieutenant-governor and 
council of New-York, v.as held at Albany, for the pur- 
pose of producing a union among the colonies, that 
their forces, counsels and wealth, might be employed 
against the enemy in due proportion, and with the great- 
er efficacy. 

In this assembly, after several weeks of debate, the 
plan of a general government was adopted, in many of 



ro HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

its most important features resembling the present con 
stitution of the United States. A president-general 
was to exercise the executive authority. The president- 
general and a grand council of forty-eight members, 
to be chosen by the different colonial assemblies, were 
jointly to exercise the legislative authority ; the consent 
of the president-general being necessary to make a bill 
a law. 

This congress was to have power to declare war and 
make peace, regulate trade and treat with the Indians ; 
settle new colonies, raise troops, fit out armed vessels, 
build forts ; lay duties, imposts and taxes ; appoint ci- 
vil and military officers, &ic. 

With the exception of the delegates from Connecticut, 
who objected to the negative voice of the president-ge- 
neral, this plan was approved and signed by all, on the 
fourth of July, twenty-two years before the declaration 
of Independence. 

The new system was, however, rejected by the colo- 
nial assemblies, because it gave too much power to the 
president-general, whose appointment was under the 
crown ; and it was rejected by the king, because it gave 
too' much power to the representatives of the people. 

The same year, by act of assembly, a charter was 
passed, incorporating several persons by the title of 
"The Governors of the College of the province of 
New-York, in the city of New-York in North America." 
Union College, in Schenectady was incorporated in 
1794. 

A relation of many particulars relative to this, as 
well as to the later periods of sevetal other states, will 
be reserved for a more general breviary of the United 
States. 

NEW-JERSEY. 

Of the large tracts of land granted by patent to the 
Duke of York, by his brother, Charles the Second, a 
part was conveyed (1664) by the duke to Lord Berkley 
and Sir George Carteret, by the name of Nova Caesaria 



NEW-JERSEY. Ti 

or New-Jerse}', in honour of Sir George, whose family 
were from tlie Island of Jersey, in the British channel : 
hence New-Netherlands was divided into New-York 
and New-Jersey. 

Soon after, three persons from Long Island purchas- 
ed of the natives a tract which was called Elizabeth- 
town grant. A settlement was begun at Elizabethtown^ 
and, in a few years, by emigrations from Europe and 
from New-York, Newark, Middletown and Shrewsbury 
were settled. 

Tlie province was divided (1676) into East and West 
Jersey. Lord Berkley's assignees released East Jersey 
to Carteret ; who, in return, conveyed West Jersey to 
those assignees. The Duke of York claimed West 
Jersey as a dependency of New-York : Carteret re- 
tained the government of East Jersey. 

A vessel arrived from England (1677) with two hun- 
dred and thirty persons, mostly quakers, who proceed- 
I ed up the Delaware, treated with the Indians for a tract 
of land, and commenced a settlement at what is now 
called Burlington. Two other vessels arrived the same 
year, with about two hundred passengers, and settled 
at the same place. 

West Jersey continued to be held as a dependency of 
New-York, or rather as a conquered country, till the 
year 1680; when the Duke of York, after much soli- 
citation from the proprietors, restored to them the rights 
granted by his patent of 1664; and West Jersey was 
no longer subject to New-York. 

Till this time the inhabitants ground their corn in 
hand mills, or pounded it in mortars, when two water- 
mills were erected ; one of them where Trenton now 
stands. 

1682. William Penn, with eleven associates, pur- 
chased of Carteret, his rights to East Jersey, Carteret 
assigning as a reason for the sale, that he was offended 
with a people whom he neither could please or govern. 

Penn immediately sold one half to the Earl of Perth 
and others, because he wished for aid in the arduous 
task of peopling and ruling a distant country ; and 



72 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Robert Barclay, the celebrated author of the " Apo- 
logy for the Quakers," was the next year made Go- 
vernor of East Jersey. 

During the reign of James the Second, both of the 
Jerseys, and New-York, were annexed to New-Eng- 
land (1686) and so continued to the revolution, which 
placed the Prince of Orange on the throne. A go- 
vernment under the proprietors of both the Jerseys, 
had become extremely disagreeable to the inhabitants ; 
who, from various causes, became at length so uneasy, 
and were so troublesome to the proprietors, that they, 
fearing a mutiny, or some dangerous crisis, surrender- 
ed the government of East and West Jersey to the 
crown, and Queen Anne very readily accepted the sur- 
render. 

The two provinces were now united in one ; and 
lord Viscount Cornbury was appointed governor over 
what was now called New-Jersey. The freemen chose 
the house of representatives, consisting of twenty-four 
members, but the governor, and the council, consisting 
of twelve members, were appointed by the crown. 

New-York and New-Jersey had, till the year 1738, 
a common governor, when a separate governor was 
appointed over the latter province. At this time New- 
Jersey contained above forty-seven thousand inhabi- 
tants ; and this year a college was founded at Prince- 
ton, which received the name of Nassau Hall. 

The present constitution of New-Jersey was adopted 
by a provincial congress, July 2d, 1776. 

No one of the united provinces suffered more, during 
the revolution, in proportion to her size, in money and 
men, than New-Jersey; and this state can boast of many 
places, besides Trenton, Princeton, and Monmouth, ren- 
dered celebrated by American martial achievements. 

DELAWARE. 

Gustavus Adolphus, king of Sweden, having listen- 
ed to the representations of William Usselin, with re- 
spect to the country around New-Netherlands, urged 



DELA\YAR1::. 7^ 

his subjects to associate and form a settlement there. 
A number of Swedes and Fins, landed at Cape Hen- 
lopen, (1627,) which they called Paradise Point : the 
Delaware they called Swedeland stream. 

They purchased lands of the Indians, and began a 
settlement. Four years after, they laid out a town 
near Wilmmgton, which was destroyed by the Dutchw 
They had, however, a fort lower down the bay, near 
Lewistown. 

The Dutch laying claim to the territory as included 
in their grant, built a fortification in 1651 near where 
Newcastle now stands, and made a purchase of consi- 
derable tracts of land from the natives. The Swedes 
remonstrated, but without effect, till the next year ; 
when the Swedish governor took the place by force, 
and called it Fort Casimer. 

Four yeajs after, the Dutch governor at Manhattan, 
having received a sufficient force from Amsterdam, at- 
tacked Fort Casimer, which soon surrendered. 

Fort Christina, near Lewistown, commanded by the 
Swedish governor, surrendered a iew days after. Most 
of the Swedes returned to Sweden, about thirty oiily- 
submitting to Dutch jurisdiction. 

The Dutch maintained their authority till Charles 
the Second granted a patent to his brother, of territory 
including the settlements of the Dutch and Swedes on the 
Delaware ; when they were taken possession of by the 
English, in 1664, and soon after they were put under 
the authority of the English governor at New-York. 

In this situation they remained till Charles the Se- 
cond made his conveyance of Pennsylvania to William 
Penn; who, (1682,) to put an end to all claims of the 
Duke of York or his heirs to the territory, received a 
release in writing ; as well as two deeds of release of 
the duke's right and interest to what was before called 
the territories of Pennsylvania, and now, " The three 
lower counties on the Delaware." 

These deeds embraced Newcastle and twelve miles 
round it ; and a tract of twelve miles, south of New- 
castle, to Cape Henlopen. 

D 



74 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

In 1692 the crown assumed the government of 
Pennsylvania, and the three lower counties, subjecting 
them to the authority of the governor of New-York. 
In less than two years, however, they were restored to 
Penn. Dui'ing the administration of Penn's lieutenant- 
governor, Markham, another frame of government was 
adopted, which was the constitution of Pennsylvania 
and Delaware, till the year 1703. 

At this time the uneasiness of Delaware on account 
of disgust towards some important provisions in the 
constitution, granted the year before by William and 
Mary, increased so much, that she refused to act under 
it. No adjustment could take place ; and from this 
time Delaware held a distinct assembly, consisting of 
eighteen members ; six from each of the three counties 
of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex. They had, however, 
the same governor, as Pennsylvania, who exercised as 
much authority over one Assembly as over the other. 
Delaware remained long quiet and prosperous, till 
the people had their share in the disputes between the 
posterity of William Penn and Lord Baltimore re- 
specting the boundaries of Pennsylvania and Mary- 
land ; by which Delaware was equally affected. 

These disputes were settled in 1732. Disputes how- 
ever, arose about the mode of executing the agreement, 
so that the lines were not finally run till the year 1762. 
In 1765, Delaware sent representatives to attend the 
congress, which was held at New-York, to concert 
measures for obtaining a repeal of the obnoxious acts 
of Great-Britain. Richard Penn, in 1775, the pro- 
prietor of Penns3dvania, resigned his jurisdiction to 
the three lower counties. 

The next year a convention of representatives chosen 
for the purpose, formed a constitution ; and by this 
convention, what had been called " The three counties 
on the Delaware," was now called the State of Dele- 
ware. This name was taken from the bay, but origi- 
nally from Lord De la War. The present constitution 
of Delaware was adopted in June, 1792. 



PENNSYLVANIA. 75 



PENNSYLVANIA. 

William Penn was the son of Admiral Sir WilJiaiu 
Penn, who assisted in taking Jamaica, in 1G55. Some 
debts were due from the crown to the estate of Penn's 
father, which Penn despaired of being paid in any other 
mode than by a grant of lands in America. 

Having been employed in the purchase and settle- 
ment of West Jersey, he had become well acquainted 
with the country west of the Delaware : and hence con- 
ceived the plan of planting a colony there. He petition- 
ed Charles the second for this purpose, stating whose 
son he was, and what was due to him. His request 
was granted; and a patent passed the seals, in 1681. 

This conveyance was generous, both in territory and 
privileges : but, whether carelessly or purposely, it en- 
croached on the territory of Lord Baltimore one whole 
degree of latitude, or sixty-nine miles and a half: and 
almost three hundred miles across the whole territory 
conveyed to Connecticut. Hence arose contentions 
with regard to boundaries, that were not settled till a 
centiwy afterwards. 

The patent provided for the king's sovereignty, and 
for obedience to British acts regarding commerce ; and 
gave power for calling an assembly in such manner as 
the proprietary should deem proper ; as well as for 
making laws for the benefit of the province, provided 
they were not contrary to the laws and the rights of 
England. 

In May, Penn sent one Markham, a few persons ac- 
companying him, to take possession of the territory 
and prepare for a settlement. In July, he sold twenty 
thousand acres to a company in England at the rate 
of twenty pounds for every thousand acres, and entered 
into articles of agreement with them, entitled " con- 
ditions and concessions." 

Three ships left England this year for Pennsylvania, 
and the colonists began a settlement where Philadel- 
phia now stands. 



smsss^sfrmam 



^^ 



76 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

1682. Penn published a frame of government by' 
which the supreme power was to be vested in a pro- 
vincial general assembly, to consist of the governor, a 
council, and house of delegates ; the council and dele- 
gates to be chosen by the freemen ; the proprietary and 
governor to preside and have a treble voice in the 
council, which was to consist of seventy-two members. 

It was also agreed and made fundamental, between 
the proprietary and the colonists, that every person of 
good reputation, who professed faith in Christ, should 
be a freeman, and capable of holding any office : and 
that all who believed in one God should be unmolested 
in their religious belief or practice, they deporting 
themselves peaceably; npr.be compelled, at any time, 
to attend or maintain any religious worship, building 
or minister whatever. 

A great variety of other fundamental laws and regu- 
lations were made by Penn, who was a quaker ; who 
had himself been persecuted and imprisoned for his 
religion ; who was a man of a benevolent heart, and 
of liberal and enlarged views. 

In October, Penn, accompanied with two thousand 
planters, mostly Friends, arrived at Newcastle on the 
Delaware ; where he found about three thousand in- 
habitants, Swedes, Fins. Dutch, and English, by whom 
possession of the country was immediately given to 
Penn. 

On the fourth of December he convoked an assem- 
bly; but so few delegates^ appeared that he was obliged 
to alter the form of his government and admit of a 
smaller number than had been previously determined ; 
and, instead of seventy-two counsellors, and delegates 
not exceeding two hundred, three only were to serve as 
counsellors, and nine for the house of assembly. 

Several miles above the confluence of the Delaware 
and Skuylkill, Penn laid out the city of Philadelphia, 
to extend about two miles, quite across, from river to 
river ; having previously made a treaty with the In- 
dians, purchased of them large tracts of land, and, by 
a beneficent deportment towards them, secured theii' 



PENNSYLVANIA. 77 

lasting friendship. The city was immediately begun ; 
and in one year after contained a hmidred houses and 
cottages. 

V No one of the colonies had so rapid a settlement as 
Pennsylvania ; for which many causes may be assign- 
ed. The salubrity of the climate and fruitfulness of 
the soil had no inconsiderable influence: but the sudden 
extension of population arose principally from that re- 
ligious toleration, which was secured by the charter and 
their fundamental laws. 

The persecution of the quakers and other sectarians, 
during the reign of Charles the second, and more so 
during that of his successor : the intolerance exercised 
by the papists over the protestants, in many parts of 
Europe ; and the overbearing or persecuting spirit, on 
religious accounts, in many of the other colonies; in- 
duced the flocking of men by tens, by hundreds, and 
by thousands, to a place where man pretended not to 
assume the prerogatives of Deity, nor judge, condemn, 
and punish, in his stead. 

1683. An assembly was held in Philadelphia, and, 
at the request of the freemen, Penn consented to give 
them a new charter ; by which eighteen persons were 
to form the council, and thirty-six the assembly. This 
charter was accepted by the province the succeeding 
April. The next year Penn returned to England. 

Long after king James had abdicated the throne, the 
assembly of Pennsylvania refused to acknowledge his 
successor, but administered the government in the name 
of the fallen monarch. Hence, Penn, (1692) was sus- 
pected by William and Mary to be a papist, or Jesuit 
in disguise. He was therefore suspended from the 
privilege of appointing a deputy for liis province ; and 
Fletcher was appointed governor both of New-York 
and Pennsylvania ; and so continped till 1694, when 
Penn was enabled to remove the suspicions of the court 
against him ; was restored to his rights ; and appointed 
Mark ham his deputy. 

The assembly, two years after, complained to Go- 
vernor Markham of a breach of their charter j and the 



78 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

frame of government was altered a third time; the 
council consisting of twelve, and the assembly of twenty- 
four members. 

Penn returned to Philadelphia in 1699. The co- 
lonists were discontented with his government ; and 
demanded a new charter, the better to secure their 
rights. Penn gave them, (1701) his third charter; the 
governor to nominate his own council ; exercise the 
whole executive power ; and have a negative on the as- 
sembly : to originate, amend or reject, all bills: the coun- 
cil merely to assist the governor, without a negative/ 

To this the three lower counties would not consent ; 
but separated, as before stated. This constitution, how- 
ever, continued till the revolutionary war. 

Previous to Penn's death in 1718, he made over all 
bis rights in Pennsylvania to the crown, for 12,000?. 
sterling, but as the instrument of surrender was not 
executed antecedent to his decease, the propriety re- 
mained in his family till the American revolution. 

Fifteen thousand pounds of paper currency were 
emitted in 1723. The borrower gave land security, or 
plate, and paid five per cent, interest ; one-eighth of 
the principal and the whole of the interest to be paid 
annually. The paper was made a tender. 

Arbitrary as this may seem, such'was the confidence 
of the people, and such the benefits resulting, that the 
assembly, the same year, emitted, on the same terms, 
thirty thousand pounds in addition. 

The deputies of the Indians of the six nations 
(1742) made a treaty at Philadelphia, in which, for 
goods of considerable value, they quitclaimed all the 
lands on the Susquehanriah, south, as far as Pennsyl- 
vania reaches, and north, to the Endless Mountains, or 
Kittatinni Hills. 

The same year a library company was formed under 
the direction of Doctor Franklin, and incorporated-; 
fifty persons subscribing forty shillings each, and pay- 
ing, besides, ten shilhngs annually. Thus was laid the 
foundation of what is now one of the first libraries in 
the union. 



MARYLAND. 70 

In 1750, four thousand three hundred Germans were 
imported into Pennsylvania, and one thousand Irish and 
British. Philadelpliia, at this time contained twenty- 
one hundred dwelling houses, and eleven places of 
public worship. 

The American Philosophical Society was instituted 
in 1769, though not incorporated till 1780. 

One hundred and thirty thousand pounds were offer- 
ed by the state to Penn's heirs in lieu of all quit rents 
due the proprietors ; which was accepted by them in 
the early part of the revolution. 

In 1790 the constitution of the state was established. 
In 1793 the yellow fever swept away about three thou- 
sand five hundred souls; and in 1797 about twelve 
hundred and fift}^ 

The seat of the state government was removed, in 
1799, to Lancaster ; and in 1800, Congress removed 
from Philadelphia to its permanent seat of government 
in the city of Washington. Harrisburgh is now the 
seat of the state government. 

The insurrection in Pennsylvania will be noticed in 
the summary of national concerns. 

MARYLAND. 

The first settlement made on any part of what is now 
Maryland was by William Clayborne. He obtained 
from Charles the First, (1631) a license to traffic in 
tliose parts of America, for which there was not already 
a patent granted for similar purposes. 

Clayborne planted a small colony in Kent Island, 
nearly opposite where Annapolis now stands, in Ches- 
apeake bay, and very near the centre of the territory, 
that was soon after granted to Lord Baltimore. 

Sir George Calvert, (Lord Baltimore) an eminent 
statesman, who had been secretary to James the First, 
having confessed himself of the Romish belief, made a 
voyage to Virginia ; intending there to settle, and hop- 
ing there to enjoy the rights of conscience : he having 
been one of the original partners of the Virginia com- 



80 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

pany, and a member of the corporation till its dissolu- 
tion. 

But great was his disappointment on his arrival. 
The Virginians being steadfast churchmen, were not 
only intolerant, but treated him with great rudeness. 
Discovering that north of the Potomac there were noble 
rivers, a fine soil and no English settlers, he resolved 
on planting a colony there. Charles the First granted 
him a patent, but before it passed the seals his lordship 
was no more. 

The patent was issued to his son Cecil, Lord Balti- 
more, June 20th, 1632. This patent grants the terri- 
tory from the Potomac " to the 40th degree of nortli 
latitude, where New-England is terminated ;" and thus, 
by a mere act of the crown, what had long before been 
granted Virginia, was avulsed from her ; as, subsequent- 
ly, what was now granted Baltimore was granted to 
Penn, to the extent of a whole degree. Hence long 
and obstinate altercations arose between the descend- 
ants of Penn and Lord Baltimore, and the colony of 
Connecticut. 

Lord Baltimore called the province Maryland, in ho- 
nour of Henrietta Maria, daughter of Henry the Great 
of France. By the patent, the proprietor, with the 
consent of the freemen, or their delegates, was authoris- 
ed to make all necessary laws not opposed to those of 
England ; and nothing was said of their submission to 
tlie crown for approbation or dissent ; nor did the king 
reserve a right to interfere in the government of the 
province. 

Virginia remonstrated against the grant toBaltimore; 
but the privy council left Baltimore with his patent, and 
the Virginians to seek redress by law. 

Baltimore (1633) appointed his brother, Leonard 
Calvert, governor of the province, who, with about two 
hundred planters, began a settlement (1634) near the 
mouth of the Potomac, on the northern side. The go- 
vernor was accompanied by his brother, George Cal- 
vert, and many gentlemen of distinction, most of them 
Roman Catholics. Forty thousand pounds were ex- 



MARYLAND. 81 

pended, tlic first two years, in the transportation of 
stores, planters, utensils, he. 

Emigrants soon flocked to the province on account 
'of the rigid principles of the Virginians and New-Eng- 
Janders, and the freedom of religious sentiments enjoy- 
ed in Maryland. The soil too was easy of tillage, and 
fruitful. 

The Indians had been reconciled by presents ; or ra- 
ther were extremely friendly : for, on their first arrival 
at the Indian town Piscataway, the Indians ceded half 
their town for the accommodation of the English, and 
agreed to resign the whole after they should gather their 
harvest. Calvert called the town St. Mary's. 

The whole body of freemen met at St. Mary's in 
1635, and formed themselves into an assembly. Their 
acts not being approved by Baltimore, he sent to them 
for their consideration a code of laws drawn up by him- 
self. This code, the assembly, in 1638, immediately 
rejected, and prepared a system of regulations suitable 
to their situation, 

Clayborne, who had settled on Kent Island, and had 
refused obedience to the authority of Maryland, com- 
plained to the crown, and asked a confirmation of his 
former license. This was refused, and the lords com- 
missioners determined thatKent Island belonged to Lord 
Baltimore ; and that neither a plantation nor trade 
with the Indians, was allowable without his consent. 

An act was passed, 1639, for establishing the house 
of assembly. By this act, those elected in pursuance 
of writs issued, were to be called burgesses ; who, with 
those called by special writ, and the governor and se- 
cretary, were to constitute the general assembly : the 
two branches sitting in the same chamber. 

Eleven years after a change took place : and those 
who were called by special writ formed the upper house 5 
those chosen by the hundreds composed the lower 
house : bills to which both brandies and the governor 
assented were made the laws of the province. 

Clayborne, " the evil genius of Maryland," dissatis- 
fied and enraged, and fearful of his own destruction 

D2 



S2 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

from ihe Increasing power of the Mary landers, intrigued 
with the savages, till an Indian war commenced, (1642) 
against the colonists, which lasted several years ; but 
was at length ended by the submission of the natives. 

In the year 1645, Clayborne had sufficient cunning 
and influence to raise an insurrection, and compel Go- 
vernor Calvert to fly to Virginia for safety ; while he 
and his compeers seized the reins of government. The 
rebellion was, however, quelled the next year, and quiet 
restored. 

1651, After the death of Charles the First, parlia- 
ment appointed commissioners " for reducing and go- 
verning the colonies within the bay of Chesapeake.'^ 
The Marylanders being mostly Roman Catholics, and 
attached to the royal cause, we have no difficulty in ac- 
counting for the word reducing ; though the proprietor 
of Maryland had submitted to parliament, and had ob- 
tained leave to govern in the name of the *' keepers of 
the liberties of England." Clayborne was one of the 
commissioners. 

The colony being divided in sentiment, a civil war 
took place, and the governor and Catholics were oblig- 
ed to submit. In an assembly under the victorious 
party, it was declared that no papist should have the 
protection of the laws. Quakers and Episcopalians 
were also persecuted. 

An insurrection (1656) headed by Josias Fendal,. 
caused much disturbance and distress to the province. 
Two years after, the afiairs of the government were 
surrendered into the hands of Fendal. At length, on 
the elevation to the throne of Charles the Second, the 
former order of things was restored i Philip Calvert was 
appointed governor by Lord Baltimore j and peace 
and prosperity again returned. 

The same year (1662) a mint was established : and 
a shprt warfare took place with the Janadoah Indians, 
which was soon ended by the assistance of the Susque- 
hannah tribe. 

The assembly, in 1692, divided the counties into thir- 
ty-six parishes, which, for the diffusion of protestant 



MARYLAND. 83 

principles, were under the superintendence of Thomas 
Bray, D. D. who had been appointed by tlie Bishop of 
London, his commissary in Maryland for this purpose. 

The town of Severn, lying on the river of the same 
name on the western shore of the Chesapeake, was made 
a port town, (1694) and received the name of Annapo- 
lis : and five j^ears after, the assembly removed there 
from St. Mary's ; and, from that time to the present, 
Annapolis has been the seat of governra^ent for Mary- 
land. 

The government was sometimes in the bands of the 
crown, and sometimes in the possession of the proprie- 
tary, till the year 1716, when it was restored to the pro- 
prietary, in whose hands it continued till the American 
revolution. 

The present constitution of Maryland was formed In 
1776. Though forward in supporting the revolution, 
this state did not agree to the articles of the confederation 
till 1781. Washington College was instituted at Ches- 
tertown, in 1782. St. John's College, at Annapolis, in 
1784. In 1790, this state granted to the United Status 
that part of the District of Columbia which lies east of 
the Potomac. 



CHAPTER ir. 

Virfrinia, North and South- Carolina: Georgia^ Kentucky , 
Tennessee, Ohio, Louisiana, Missijppi, Indiana, Illinois^ 
Alabama, Michigan, Missouri, Arkansas and Florida. 

Kpiscopacy established in Virginia — Inquietude of the people — Re- 
bellion of Bacon — He obtains a cojnmission by compulsion — He 
usurps the government — He dies ; and the rebellion is suppressed — 
Culpepper's administration — William and Mary College — Birth of 
Washington — Amidas and Barlow land in Carolina — Reception of 
them by the Indians — Permanent settlements — Constitution — Con- 
stitution of Locke — Charleston laid out — Insurrection — New seat 
for Charleston — Locke's constitution abandoned — Introduction of 

yjcg Attack on St. Augustine — Indian war — Charleston attacked — 

Defeat of the Spanish — War with the Indians — Bank — Another In- 

tlian war Dissensions — Division into North and South Carolina — 

^e"-ro insurrection — Regulators. — Charter of incorporation for 

Georgia — Settlement of Savannah — Regulations — Emigrations — 

' slow progress of population — Unsuccessful attempt to reduce St. 

4u«nistine — Invasion of the Spaniards — Military skill of Oglethorpe 

I^etreat of the Spanish — The government relinquished to the 

f.XQyfXi Prosperity. — Kentucky explored by Colonel Boone — Lex- 

ino-ton laid out — Dismembered from Virginia — Made a separate 
State and admitted into the union*; — Name of Tennessee — Failure 
in first attempting a settlement — Subsequent success — Defeat of the 

Indians Soil ceded to Congress — Admitted an independent state 

into the union. — Settlement of Ohio by Rufus Putnam — Admission 

» into the union — Antiquities — Discovery of Louisiana — Failure of 
the Spanish in attempting to destroy the Missouri settlement — Mas- 
sacre at Natches by the Indians — Destruction of the Natches tribe 

Xhe'country ceded to Spain — Cession to Great Britain — to France 

by the treaty of St. Ildefonso— Purchase and possession by the 
United State*. 

VIRGINIA. 

NOTICE has already been taken of the settlement 
and earlier affairs of Virginia. This colony was the 
first to acknowledge the authority of parliament or 
Cromwell, and the first to submit to Charles the Se- 
cond. An assembly was called (1661) by Governor 
Berkley, who informed them that a general pardon and 



; 



VIRGINIA. 85 

oblivion would be granted in favour of all persons not 
attjiintedj provided that body would repeal all acts made 
during the rebellion, inconsistent with the obedience 
due the government of England. This ought to have 
been the more readily granted, as the Virginians had 
refused all subjection to Cromwell, till compelled by a 
large naval force, sent by the Protector, to reduce them 
o obedience. 

The old constitution being restored, an assembly was 
called, (1G82) by which the church of England was es- 
tablished throughout the colon}^ ; and no one was al- 
lowed to preach, on pain of suspension or banishment, 
who had not received his ordination from some bishop 
in England. 

Though Charles the Second was highly gratified with 
a formal act of the Virginia assembly; "That they 
were born under monarchy, and would never degene- 
rate from the condition of their births, by being subject 
to any other government;" and though he had given 
the fullest assurance that their form of government should 
never be changed ; none of the colonies suffered more 
than Virginia, from the despotism of a royal govern- 
ment. 

In violation of chartered rights, the colony was di- 
vided into parts, and conveyed away by proprietary 
grants ; not grants of uncultivated woodlands, but of 
plantations that had long been improved according to 
the encouragement and laws of kings and charters. 
, The assembly complained to his majesty ; and, to 
'' defray the expense of prosecuting the affair by an em- 
bassy to England, heavy taxes were laid on the people : 
fifty pounds of tobacco to each poll ; and thirty, fifty 
or seventy pounds of tobacco, for every lawsuit tried in 
the colon}'. 

The people began to grow very unquiet ; some of 
them almost desperate : and, what greatly added to their 
misfortune was, that the Indians, instead of the peace 
and intercourse that had long been maintained, began 
ta rob and to murder the colonists. 

Without leaders oit plans, the people began to collect 



86 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

in large bodies, tumultuously running from one planta- 
tion to another, and ignorant of their own benefit or 
wishes. 

A Colonel Nathaniel Bacon, who had been educated 
at one of the inns of court in London, and had been 
appointed a member of the council soon after his arri^ 
A'al in Virginia ; a young man of a commanding ap- 
pearance, of great boldness and activity ; was chosea 
jeadier. His ostensible object was a war with the In- 
dians ; assuring his followers that he would not lay down 
his arms till fully avenged, and all their grievances re- 
dressed. 

He despatched a messenger to Governor Berkley for 
a commission to go against the Indians. Contrary to 
expectation, the governor, instead of a commission, sent 
positive orders to him to dismiss his people, and appear 
in person before him and his council, on pain of being 
declared a rebel. 

Bacon took forty of his men, not dismissing the rest, 
and went to Jamestown. A quarrel ensued ; and Berk- 
ley suspended Bacon from the council. Bacon sooa 
nfter escaped pFivatcly from the town ; put himself at 
the head of six hundred volunteers ; appeared again at 
Jamestown, where the general assembly were in session ; 
drew up his men before the house where they were sit- 
ting ; urged his being prepared to meet the Indians, a 
war with whom would then have been finished, had not 
his commission been so long delayed. . 

It was deemed advisable to grant the commission ; 
which the governor reluctantly signed. But as soon as 
Bacon had got to a safe distance, the assembly advised 
the governor to issue a proclamation of rebellion against 
him ; which was immediately done. 

His followers were commanded to deliver up Bacon ; 
gnd the militia were ordered out against him. Bacon 
and his men, enraged at this conduct on the part of the 
assembly, instead of marching against the Indians, 
marched iminediately to Jamestown ; and turned their 
fury against all who opposed them. Governor Bei'kky 



VIRGINIA. 87 

himself fled across the bay to Accomack ; where he 
hoped the people would support his authority. 

Meanwhile Bacon called a convention of a few gen- 
tlemen who were in his interest, and issued a manifesto, 
charging the governor with attempting to foment civil 
war ; and enjoining, as the governor had abdicated the 
command, the members of the convention and others,, 
to take an oath to join the general and his army against 
the common enemy. 

At length the governor was able to procure a few 
sloops, and a few soldiers and sailors. He crossed the 
bay with them, under the command of Major Robert 
Beverly. Civil war now began its ravages and cala- 
mities. Jamestown was burnt by Bacon's followers. 
Tiiose parts of the colony that remained quiet were pil- 
laged : and the wives of those who adhered to the go- 
vernor were carried to the camp of the insurgents. 

After several months of skirmishing, bloodshed, pil- 
lage and confusion, neither party gaining a complete 
ascendency, Bacon suddenly died ; and, their leader 
gone, they began to disperse. Two generals under 
Bacon, submitted on condition of pardon. The peo- 
ple returned to their homes ; Berkley was reinstated in 
authority, and quiet restored. 

Whether Bacon's intention was the punishment of the 
Indians, or to seize the reins of government for himself,^ 
when he first solicited a commission, it is impossible to 
ascertain. 

This rebellion forms a remarkable era in the history 
of Virginia. Its effects were felt for thirty years. Dur- 
ing its continuance no attention was paid to husband- 
ry : the Indians, without restraint, murdered and pil- 
laged on the confines of the colony,, making ftequeut 
incursions into the interior. Sir William Berkley re- 
turned to England, where he soon after died. 

Lord Culpepper, three years after, was sent over go- 
vernor of Virginia. He brought, over several laws 
drawn up in England. One was an act for raising a 
public revenue fortlie support of government ; the duties 
perpetual, and under his majesty's direction ; of which 



88 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the governor took for his salarj^, two thousand pounds, 
and one hundred and sixty, in addition, for house rent. 

All the laws that the governor wished were passed by 
the assembly, on compulsion ; for Culpepper informed 
them that he was instructed to pass an act of oblivion 
for all who had been concerned in Bacon's rebelFion, 
provided the assembly would first pass all such laws as 
he had brought over from the British ministry. If 
they refused, he had commissions to try and to hang 
them, and a regiment of soldiers on the spot, to support 
him in his proceedings. Such was the return Virginia 
received, for its attachment to Charles the Second. 

William and Mary were proclaimed in Virginia in 
1689. In 1692, a charter was granted for a college, 
which was liberally endowed, and established by law in 
1693, at Williamsburgh, under the title of William and 
Mary College. 

The state house in Jamestown, was burnt down, with 
many valuable papers, and the next year the seat of 
government was removed to Williamsburgh, and a Ca- 
pitol ordered to be built for the reception of the legis- 
lature. 

In 1712, Virghiia was divided into forty-nine parish- 
es, and an act was passed determining the salary of each 
clergyman. The next year Colonel Alexander Spots- 
wood, lieutenant-governor of Virginia, made the first 
discovery of a passage over the Apalachian mountains ; 
a knowledge of the country beyond them being till then 
confined to the French. 

But the most important epoch in the history of Vir- 
ginia or of the United States, is the eleventh of Febru- 
ary (O. S.) 1732. GEORGE WASHINGTON, was 
born on that day, at Bridge's Creek, in the county of 
Westmoreland. 

The constitution of this state was adopted in 1776, 
the day after the declaration of Independence, and has 
ever since continued. 



NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. 89 



NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. 

The first settlement made within the limits of the 
United States was in North Carolina : but it was not 
permanent. Amidas and Barlow landed at Woccocon, 
and went afterwards to the Roanoke in 1584. 

One of the Indian chiefs with several companions, in 
a small boat, went fearlessly on board the English ships, 
having first made a speech, of which not one word was 
understood, except by the natives. The English gave 
him a hearty meal with wine, a shirt and a hat. The 
chief soon made a grateful return. He loaded his boat 
with fish ; divided it into two parts, and pointed to the 
two ships for its disposal. 

The next day the brother of the great sachem of the 
country came on board with fifty attendants, showing 
no fear of the English arms. After he had made a long 
speech, the English gave him a pewter basin, and re- 
ceived in return twenty deer skins, worth twenty crowns. 
A profitable exchange for the English : of its justice we 
pretend not to speak. The chief made a hole through 
it, and wore it down his neck for a breast plate, con- 
ceiving it an ornament fit for the brother of a king. 

The same chief, Ganganameo, soon after made ano- 
ther visit with his princess. She had a band of white 
coral about her forehead, and bracelets of pearls, of the 
bigness of peas, pendent to her middle. 

The English afterwards nwde a visit to his house. 
He was absent. His wife ordered her men to bear them 
on their shoulders to the shore, lest they should wet their 
feet. The chiers house had five rooms. In one of 
them she washed the feet of the strangers, and dried 
their clothes. 

She then introduced them to another, where she sat 
before them boiled venison, roasted fish, boiled roots, 
melons, fruit, he. At their departure she appeared 
grieved, and sent mats on board to keep them from the 
rain. " A more kind and loving people cannot be,'* 
says the journal of the voyage. 



90 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

A few weeks were spent In examining the adjacent 
territory and trading with the Indians, when Amidas 
and Barlow returned to England, taking with them 
two of the natives. 

1650. Several planters from Virginia, and emi- 
grants from other places, began a settlement in Albe- 
marle county. The winter being very mild, their horses, 
cattle, swine and sheep, breeding at an unusual rate ; 
other families were induced to settle among them. 

The territory extending from the thirty-sixth (]egree 
of north latitude to the river St. Matheo, (1663) was 
granted to lords Clarendon, Craven, &;c. The pro- 
prietors, claiming from their patent, jurisdiction over 
all the lands in Carolina, appointed the governor of 
Virginia superintendent-general over the county of Al- 
bemarle. The governor of Virginia granted the Ca- 
rolinians an assembly, and appointed a sub-governor 
over them. 

1665. John Yeamans a planter of reputation in Bar- 
badoes, was appointed commander in chief of the 
planters settled about Cape Fear ; and a new county 
was erected called Clarendon. This county stretched 
from Cape Fear to the river Matheo ; a part of it being 
settled by emigrants from New-England and Bar- 
badoes. 

The people of Albemarle were much dissatisfied with 
the new claims of the proprietors of Carolina, to make 
them tributary for their lands. They petitioned to be 
placed on the same footing, with respect to their lands, 
as the planters of Virginia. 

Their petition being neglected by the proprietors, 
they revolted for two years ; when their petition was 
allowed. A general assembly was granted them, con- 
sisting of a governor, twelve counsellors, and twelve 
delegates to be chosen by the freeholders : the governor 
to be appointed by the proprietaries, and half the coun- 
cil; the other half to be chosen by the assembly. No 
taxes were to be imposed without the consent of the as- 
sembly. No one, demeaning himself peaceably, to be 
disturbed in the enjoyment of his religious sentimentSr 



NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. 91 

1669. Stevens, the governor, convoked the first as- 
sembly under this constitution. Among other acts, for 
the purpose of giving encouragement to population, it 
was enacted that " none should be sued for five years, 
for any cause of action arising out of the country : 
and that no person should accept a power of attor- 
ney to receive debts conli-acted abroad." 

Hence the colony was long considered as asylum 
for debt and crime. There being no clergyman, it was 
also enacted that " in order that none might be hin- 
dered in so necessary a work for the preservation of 
mankind," any couple wishing to marry, declaring 
their assent before their neighbours, and the governor 
and council, should be deemed man and wife. 

1670. A settlement was made, at great expense, at 
Port Royal, by William Sayle and a company of plant- 
ers introduced there by him from England. He called 
together what was to be denominated a parliament, to 
put in force a'constitution, which, at the request of the 
proprietaries, had been drawn up by the famous John 
Locke. 

By this curioi^s constitution, a palatine, or president 
of the palatine 'court, was to be chosen for life ; the 
palatine court consisted of all in whose trust was the 
execution of the powers of the charter ; an hereditary 
nobility was to be created, consisting of landgraves 
and caciques ; the former to possess sixteen, the latter, 
four thousand acres of land ; the estates and titles of 
Bobility to descend for ever. 

The parliament was to consist of the proprietors, the 
nobility, and the representatives of the freeholders. 
These were all to assemble in one apartment ; they 
could originate no bill, but only decide on such as 
should be prepared in the grand council of governor, 
nobility, and deputies of proprietors. Many other mi- 
nute, perplexing, or impracticable regulations were 
made, amounting to one hundred and twenty articles. 

When Sayle convened his parliament, no nobility 
were to be found in the settlement. Governor Sayle 
fell a victim to the unhealthiness of the climate; and 



92 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the authority af Sir John Yeamans, governor at Cape 
Fear, was now extended over the plantations south- 
west oF Cape Carteret. Previous to his death, however, 
governor Sayle had laid out the plan of a large town 
on a neck of land between Ashley and Cooper rivers, 
which, in honour of the king, was called Charleston. 

In attempting (1670) to enforce the constitution of 
Mr. Locke in Albemarle, great opposition and discon- 
tent arose, which at length brought on open insurrec- 
tion. Culpepper, who had been appointed survej^or- 
general of Carolina, took the lead of the insurgents, 
seized the revenues, and put in prison the president, 
with seven of the deputies named by the proprietors. 

He next established courts of justice, appointed offi- 
cers, and called a parliament ; exercising an indepen- 
dent government, though not formally denying the 
authority of the proprietors. 

The constitution of Mr. Locke proving wholly inef- 
ficient , and impracticable, the freemen (1764) met at 
Charleston to enact laws for the government of the 
colony. This government consisted of an upper and 
lower house, which, with the colonial governor, was^' 
denominated parliament. The acts now passed, were 
the first that were approved by the proprietors. 

The same year the proprietors sent vines to Carolina 
and men acquainted with their cultivation. Five years 
after, Charles II. employed, at his own expense, two 
vessels to transport foreign protestants to raise, in 
Carolina, oil, silk, wine, &z;c. but the attempt was witli- 
out success. 

The situation of Charleston proving, in many re- 
spects, inconvenient, a new tovvn was laid out at " the 
Oyster point," at the confluence of Ashley and Cooper 
rivers. Thither the inhabitants of old Charleston re- 
moved, and laid the foundation of the present capital 
of South Carolina. 

The same year (1680) commenced a war with a pow- 
erful tribe of Indians, called the Westoes ; who threat- 
ened much injury to the colony ; but peace was re- 



NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. - 93 

stored the subsequent year ; and commissioners ap- 
pointed to adjust all difficulties between the parties. 

The constitution of Mr., Locke was fully abandoned 
in 1693, diough intended at first to be perpetual, and 
the old government restored. 

Dissentions continuing in Carolina, the proprietors 
sent John Archdale to Charleston, (1693) with full 
])ower to redress grievances. He was received with 
acclamations. The assembly was called : regulations 
and laws were made with regard to the price of lands, 
rents, the appointment of magistrates, public roads, 
canals, &lc. which rendered auspicious the appearance 
of public affairs, repressed animosities, and increased 
the public prosperity. 

Two years after, a vessel from Madagascar touched 
at Carolina. Governor Smith visited the captain, who 
presented him with a bag of seed rice, informing him 
of the manner of cultivating it, of its nutriciousness, 
and great increase. The seed was divided among seve- 
ral planters, and was found fully to answer every ex- 
pectation. From this accident arose what has since 
proved so much a staple commodity in Carolina. 

In the expectation of a speedy declaration of war 
between England and France and Spain, though be- 
fore war was actually declared, Moore, the governor 
of the southern settlements of Carolina, proposed to the 
assembly an attack on St. Augustine, the conquest of 
which was declared to be easy and the booty great. 

The more moderate were opposed to the expedition, 
but the expectation of obtaining vast treasures of silver 
and gold produced a large majority in favour of the 
enterprise. Six hundred militia and six hundred In- 
dian auxiliaries, furnished with arms and ammunition, 
were soon in readiness, and some merchant vessels were 
impressed as transports. The governor embarked, Sep- 
tember, 1702, at the head of the principal part of the 
naval forces for St. Augustine. 

The design waSj for Colonel Daniel, a spirited and 
able officer, to attack the town by land, with a party of 
Indians and militia, while Moore, with the main force, 



94 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

should block up the harbour by sea. Daniel entered 
the town and plundered it ; but the governor not arriv- 
ing in season, the Spaniards retired to the castle with 
their principal riches. 

The governor, on his arrival, could effect notliing, 
from the want of battering artillery. He immediately 
sent Daniel to Jamaica for cannon, mortars aiid bombs. 
While Daniel was gone, two Spanish ships arrived, with 
thirty-eight guns on board. The sight of these fright- 
ened Moore. He forsook his ships, and hastily retreat- 
ed to Carolina by land, his ships falling into the hands 
of the Spaniards. 

Daniel returning from Jamaica, unsuspicious of what 
had occurred, stood in for the harbour, but learnt his 
situation in time to escape with difficulty. 

The Apalachian Indians having become extremely 
troublesome the next year, being instigated by the Spa- 
niards, Governor Moore marched to their country, de- 
stroyed their towns between Alatahama and Savannah ; 
killed and made prisoners of six or eight hundred, and 
compelled the tribes to sue fbr peace, and submit to the 
English. 

The same year Sir Nathaniel Johnson superseded 
Moore as governor. Episcopacy was established by 
law ; lands were granted for glebes, and the salaries of 
the rectors paid from the national treasury. The le- 
gislature also enacted that no one should be a member 
of the assembly, who had not taken the sacrament of 
the Lord's supper, according to the Episcopal mode. 

The house of lords, however, soon declared, on peti- 
tion of the dissenters of Carolina, that the act was re- 
pugnant to the laws of England, and contrary to the 
charter of the proprietors, and Queen Anne pronounced 
it null and void. 

Understanding that the Spaniards were determined 
by force of arms, to annex Carolina to Florida, on a 
pretence of original discovery, Governor Johnson, a 
soldier of courage and skill, made every exertion to 
fortify the entrance to the harbour of Charleston, and 
place the province in a state of defence. ^ 



NORTH Ax\D SOUTH CAROLINA. 95 

Shortly after, being dul3' prepared to receive the eiie- 
ny, a goveniiiient vessel arrived from St. Augustine, 
bringing niformation of the Spanish squadron having 
been seen there. This consisted of a French frigate 
under captain Le Feboure, and four armed sloops, hav- 
ing about eight hundred men on board. Scarcely was 
the intelligence communicated when the vessels were 
announced by signals from Sullivan's island to be in 
sight. 

The darkness of the night prevented an attempt to 
cross the bar till the next day ; most of which was em- 
ploj^ed in taking soundings of the south bar. The suc- 
ceeding day they crossed, and anchored above Sullivan's 
Island : bu,t the delay had enabled the governor to col- 
lect the mihtia and friendly Indians, and to arm the 
vessels in the harbour. Colonel William Rhet, a man 
of vigour and skill, took the command of the naval force. 

The governor was summoned to surrender; and 
promptly refused : four hours were allowed by Le Fe- 
boure for an answer, but Johnson informed the messen- 
ger that he did not wish one minute. The next day a 
party of the enemy landed and burnt some houses on 
James Island : and another party of one hundred and 
sixty men, landed on Wando Neck. 

Johnson despatched Captain Cantey in the night, to 
watch the motions of those at Wando Neck. Before 
day break he surprised them in a state of presumed se- 
curity, fired on them with about ahimdred men, till the 
w hole were killed, drowned, or taken prisoners. 

It was now determined to attack them by sea. Rhet, 
ivith $ix vessels dropped down the river towards where 
:he enemy were at anchor. At sight of Rhet they 
rveighed anchor, passed over the bar and were soon out 
)f sight. Some days after, intelligence was received 
hat a ship of force was seen in Sewee Bay landing 
ome troops. 

Some prisoners informed the governor that a ship 
mder command of Monsieur Arbuset, with two hun- 
hed men for a reinforcement, had been expected. Cap- 
aia Yemvick was immediately despatched by land to 



96 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Sewee Bay ; while Rhet, with two small vessels, sailed 
round by sea. 

Fenwick soon drove the enemy to their ship : and 
Rhet approaching, the enemy struck without firing a 
gun. The frigate and prisoners were brought to 
Charleston. 

Thus ended, with little loss on the part of the Caro- 
linians, and with the death and capture of about three 
hundred of the enemy, this dreaded invasion of Le Fe-j 
boure. Johnson acquired fame for his ability and cou- 
rage. The expense to Carolina was about eight thou- 
sand pounds. 

A large number of Palatines (1710) arrived and set- 
tled near the Roanoke, in Albemarle and Bath counties. 
The increasing population of the English, and their 
gradual encroachments on the Indians, rather than any 
ill treatment of the whites towards the savages, were 
probably the principal causes, on the part of the Indians, 
of a design they meditated, in 1712, of secretly attack- 
ing and assassinating all the whites in the northern parts 
of Carolina. 

The Corees, Tuscaroras and other tribes, fortified 
their principal town, and sallied from it in parties to 
the amount of about twelve hundred bowmen, deter- 
mined, on a night mutually fixed for the purpose, to 
destroy all the whites. No suspicion of their intention 
was entertained. The houses of the planters were en- 
tered, and indisoiminate slaughter ensued. On the 
Roanoke one hundred and seven settlers were butcher- 
ed in one night. The alarm being given, most of the 
families met in one place, and were guarded by the mi- 
litia. Information was sent, as soon as possible, to 
Charleston. The assembly there, voted four thousand 
pounds for the service ; and sent six hundred militia, 
and three hundred and sixty friendly Indians, for their 
relief. 

With much difficulty Colonel Barnwell, who coii^-, 
manded, explored his way through the wilderness that- 
then separated the southern from the northern settle- 
ments. He attacked the Tuscaroras, unexpectedly oi 



NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. 97 

their part; killed about three huntlredj and made one 
hundred prisoners. 

Those vvlio survived, sought refuge in their fortified 
town : but here they were attacked by Barnwell : a great 
number were killed, and the rest sued for peace. About 
a thousand of the Tuscaroras, in this war, were killed 
or taken prisoners ; the survivors, soon after^ left their 
country, and united with the Iroquois. 

A public bank, issuing forty-eight thousand pounds, 
was established by the assembly, to defray the expenses 
of this war. The bills issued were let out at interest, 
and made a legal tender : four thousand pounds of the 
principal to be annually paid. The plan had, however, , 
an injurious effect; the bills, in a short time, greatly 
depreciating. 

Three years after, (1715,) the Yamassees, a large In- 
dian tribe, made the same attempt on the southern as 
had been before made on the northern plantations. 
Ninety persons were murdered at Pocataligo. The 
northern planters were attacked at the same time, by 
all the tribes from Florida to Cape Fear, they being en» 
gaged in the conspiracy. 

Charleston itself was in danger. Governor Craven 
laid an embargo, proclaimed martial law, obtained 
leave of the assembly to arm negroes, impress men, and 
seize arms and stores. Ninety horsemen, trusting to a 
faithless Indian guide, were led into an ambush and 
killed. A hundred and thirty whites and blacks, at- 
tacked in a defenceless breastwork, capitulated ; and, 
on admitting the savages, were all murdered. 

Meanwhile the Yamassees were pressing towards 
Charleston. Governor Craven, with twelve hundred 
men, marched to meet them. A severe engagement 
took place. The Indians were defeated : driven be- 
yond the Savannah, and dispersed. In this war, about 
four hundred of the Carolinians were slain. The Ya- 
massees were expelled the province, and took refuge 
among the Spanish in Florida. 

The coast had been for some time infested by pirates ; 
till the governor, (1715) Johnson, and Rhet, after des- 

E 



98 IIISTOilY OF THE UxMTED STATES. 

perate engagements, succeeded in taking two of the 
principal vessels ; brought them and forty-two of the 
buccaneers, to Charleston, where they we're all tried, 
and all, excepting one, were hung. 

1719. The Carolinians having become extremely 
dissatisfied with the proprietors, drew up a subscription 
in wjiich they agreed to support each other in opposition 
to the supposed arbitrary conduct of the proprietors 
I and their officers, and in defence of their own rights 

and privileges. Almost every inhabitant had signed 
this agreement before the governor, R. Johnson, was 
aware of it. 

The assembly met, and sent a committee to the go- 
vernor, requesting him to accept of the government of 
the province under the king, instead of the proprietors. 
The governor delayed an answer, though determined 
not to accept. Some time after, the president of the 
assembly and its members sent him an address, repeat- 
ing their request. He peremptorily refused. 

The assembly then chose Colonel James Moore for 
governor, under the crown ; who was proclaimed as 
such, in spite of the opposition of Johnson. An agent, 
who bad been sent to England for the purpose, laid the 
subject before the privy council, who were of opinion 
that the proprietors had forfeited their charter ; and ap- 
pointed Francis Nicholson provisional governor under 
tlje crown, who was received v^'itli much satisfaction. 

The Yamassees continuljig to molest the settlements. 
Colonel Palmer, (1725,) with about four hundred mili- 
tia and friendly Indians, marched to St. Augustine, 
drove tlie inhabitants into the castle, destroyed provi- 
sions, took away catde, burnt almost every house in the 
colony, and killed and took prisoners a considerable 
number of the savages. 

An agreement was made (1729) between the proprie- 
tors and the crown ; and the former, for the sum of se- 
venteen thousand five hundred pounds sterling, surren- 
dered to the crown their riglit and interest both to the 
government and the soil. The province was now di- 
vided into Norlh and South Carolina; which were 



GEORGIA. ^ 

.\iKuie distinct governments, and a separate regal go- 
vernor was appointed over each. 

At the instigation of the Spaniards of Florida, a dan- 
gerous insurrection of the negroes took place in 1733, 
Aviiich after becoming formidable, was suppressed by 
the superior military slull of the whites, and the intoxi- 
cation of many of the blacks. The discovery of the 
growth of the indigo plant in South Carolina, was made 
about the year 1745. 

.A body of men amounting to fifteen hundred, in 
North Carolina, under the name of Regulators, in 1771, 
complaining of the supreme and other courts, and pre- 
tending many grievances, combined together underarms, 
to shut up the courts, destroy the civil officers, prostrate 
the lawyers, and finally the whole government of tlie 
province. 

In a battle at Almansee, Governor Tryon defeated 
them, three hundred being left dead on the field. Of 
the insurgent ringleaders, twelve were capitally convict- 
ed and six were executed. 

The constitution of North Carolina was established 
in 1776. The present constitution of South Carolina 
was agreed to in 1790, 

GEORGIA, 

The territory comprehending tlie present state of 
Georgia was originally a part of Carolina. The river 
Alatamaha was considered the southern boundary of the 
British dominions. The extensive country lying be- 
tween that river and the Savannah had long been a wil- 
derness, inhabited only by the native savages. 

Three years after the division of Carolina into two 
provinces, a company was formed in England, the ob- 
ject of which was, principally, the removal of the poor, 
who were willing to seek sustenance in the new world. 
Another object was, by planting a colony there to se- 
cure the Carolinas against the Indians and Spaniards. 

Twenty-one persons were incorporated for setding a 
co^ny. A large sum of money was subscribed for 



100 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

clothing, arming and making provision'^or such ||oor 
people as might choose to adventure to the new world. 
The charter ot* incorporation was granted by George 
the Second, June 1732; and the intended colony wasj 
in honour of him, called Georgia. 

One hundred and sixty persons under the superin- 
tendence of James Oglethorpe, left England in No- 
vember of the same year : previous to which the trus- 
tees had elected a president, Lord Percival, and had de- 
pcteited m the bank of England the large donations of 
the nobility, gentry, and clergy, and a grant often 
thousand pounds, made by parliEtment for immediately 
effecting the designs of the compan}^ 

In January, 1733, the emigrants arrived at Charles- 
ton. The Carolinians made them a present of a hun- 
dred breeding cattle, other live stock, and twenty bar*- 
rels of rice. 

The governor of South Carolina and many of the 
inhabitants, accompanied the adventurers, and assisted 
them in exploring the country and ascertaining an eli- 
gible situation to commence a settlement. 

A large tract of land was obtained of the Creek In- 
dians, and a settlement commenced on a high pleasant 
bluff, where a regular town was marked out, and a fort 
erected. From the Indian appellation of the river, the 
town was called Savannah. AH the men capable of 
bearing arms were officered and equipped. 

As it was one great object of the trustees to be able 
to defend the colony against the Indians, the inhabi- 
tants were furnished with arms for defence, as well as 
* utensils for husbandry. The lands granted were con- 
sidered as military fiefs, for which the possessors were 
bound to appear in arms, and take the field, whenever 
called upon for the common defence. 

The lands were also granted in tail male, reverting 
to tlie trustees when the estates in tail male ceased ; in- 
dulgence, however, to be allowed the widows or daugh- 
ters during their liv^s. Negroes were forbidden to be 
used, and rum to be imported. 

Such regulations, however plausible in theory, were 



GEORGIA. 101 

ill adapted to the cultivation and increase of the colony. 
Under the hot summer suns of Georgia, it was al- 
most impossible for the whites to subdue and cultivate 
the soil ; while the climate was healthy and congenial 
to the blacks. Lands held by a tenure so precarious 
as that prescribed b}' the trustees, were not valuable, 
like those which could be acquired in fee simple. 

Lumber was abundant : but a trade t& the West In- 
dies was prohibited, which deprived the colonists of a 
ready market. The colonists remonstrated against the 
tenure of their lands and the prohibition of slaves; but 
their complaint? were not heeded. The trustees were 
actuated by principles of humanity, and a regard to the 
heakh and morals of the inhabitants ; but no sj^stem 
could be less fitted for the colonists, or more injurious 
to the welfare and population of the province^ 

1734. About six hundred emigrants arrived this 
year. But being idle and irresolute, useless members 
of society, the rubbish of citieg and towns ; they were 
little fitted for felling the heavy trees of Georgia, and 
making the wilderness a cultivated field* 

To obtain persons of more hardihood and persever* 
ance, the trustees laid out eleven townships on the 
Alatamaha, Savannah, Santee, Pedee and other rivers. 
Each township consisted of a square plat of twenty 
thousand acres, divided into lots of fifty acres ; and 
every man who would make a settlement was entitled 
to a lot. 

In consequence of these regulations there was soon 
after large emigrations from Scotland, Germany, and 
Switzerland. Governor Oglethorpe, who had been in 
England for some time exerting himself for the welfare 
of the colony, returned in 1736, with three hundred 
planters, and settled Frederi.ca, on the island of St. 
Simon. About fourteen hundred planters had now 
arrived. 

From the liberality of individuals, and an additional 
parliamentary grant of twenty-six thousand pounds for 
the benefit of the province ; expectations were high 
that population, riches and prosperity, were at hand. 



102 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Instead of which, owing to the impolitic regulations of 
the trustees, disappointment, penury and wretchednesSj 
were long the lot of the first settlers. 

War having been declared between Great Britain 
and Spain, Oglethorpe was appointed (1739) general 
and commander in chief of all his majesty's forces in 
South Carolina and Georgia. He arrived in Georgia, 
with six hundred soldiers, and established his head- 
quarters at Frederica. 

After securing the friendship of the Greeks, wliom 
the Spaniards had- endeavoured to seduce during his 
absence, he projected, with Governor Bull of South 
Carohna, an expedition against St. Augustine. The 
assembly of South Carolina voted one hundred and 
twent}^ thousand pounds for the service ; and a regi- 
ment was soon raised in Virginia and the Carolinas, 
together with a body of friendly Indians. 

With four hundred select men of his own regiment, 
and a body of Indians, General Oglethorpe entered 
Florida, and invested (May 10, 1740) a small fort 
called Diego, about twenty-five miles from St. Augus- 
tine, which soon capitulated. A short time after he was 
joined by the provincial troops and Indians, amounting 
in the whole-to about two thousand. 

Fort Mod^, about two miles from St. Augustine, 
was evacuated on his approach. He then marched to 
St. Augustine, but the Spaniards had, previously, suffi- 
cient time to secure themselves and most of their, effects 
in the casde. Batteries were raised around it, and the 
Spanish commander was summoned to surrender; who 
replied to the summons that be should be glad to shake 
hands with General Oglethorpe in the castle. 

The castle was fired upon, and the fire returned with 
•spirit for several days, but with little execution on 
either side. The Spaniards, notwithstanding the vigi- 
lance of Oglethorpe, soon after received a reinforce- 
ment of seven hundred men, and a supply of provisions. 

The Carolina troops, dispirited and sick, began to 
desert : the hope of starving the enemy was gone : the 
season for hurricanes was at hand. The enterprize was 



GEORGIA. 103 

abandoned ; and Oglethorpe, with grief and mortifica- 
lion, returned to Frederica. 

In 1742, Georgia ^yas invaded b}' the Spaniards?. 
Don Antonio de Ridondo, from ih^ Ilavanna, with two 
thousand men inider a strong convoy, landed at St. 
Augustine. Oglethorpe,, as soon as he received intelli- 
gence of their arrival, applied, to Governor Glenn, of 
South Carolina, for assistance.- Georgia and South 
Carolina trembled for their safety.- ' 

South Carolina was as much exposed as Georgia ; 
she therefore reserved her troops for her own defence ; 
though a co-operation would have been more likely to 
ensure security. 

Thirty-two sail, with three thousand men, anchored 
oiT St. Simons' bar, the last of June, and soon after 
passed the fort and proceeded up the river Alatamaha ; 
landed, and erected a battery of twenty eighteen pound- 
ers. Oglethorpe, considering the fort at St. Simons 
incapable of defence, spiked the cannon and retreated to 
Frederica ; his whole force scarcely exceeding seven 
Iiundred men. 

The Spanish commander sent several parties to 
pierce through the woods and open a way to Frederica. 
In one of these attempts the Spaniards lost a captain 
and two lieutenants killed, and above a hundred men 
taken prisoners. The design of attacking Frederica 
by land was then abandoned. 

An English prisoner, having escaped from the Spa- 
niards, informed Oglethorpe that so great a dissention 
had taken place between the Havanna and St. Augus- 
tine trpops, that they had separate encampments; the 
idea was suggested of attacking one of the encamp- 
ments by surprise. 

For this purpose Oglethorpe, with the flower of his 
army, marched by night within two miles of the camp. 
With a picked corps he then advanced himself to re- 
connoitre ; but a French soldier of his party fired his 
musket, and ran to the Spanish camp. Discovery 
obliged Oglethorpe to retreat to Frederica. 

General Ogletiiorpe now struck upon an expedient 



104 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

which proved successful. He bribed a Spanish cap- 
tive to deliver a letter to the French deserter in the 
Spanish camp, addressed to him as if he were a spy of 
the English, desiring, him to inform the Spaniards of 
hh defenceless situation, and to urge them immediately 
to attack Frederica : or, if they would not, to urge 
them to stay at least three days longer, as he had re- 
ceived information from South Carolina that in less 
than that time he should be reinforced by two thousand 
men and six British ships of war. The letter, as in- 
tended, was given to the Spanish general. The French 
deserter was immediately put in irons as a spy. 

The Spanish commander was puzzled, not knowing 
whether to consider it a stratagem to prevent an at- 
tack on Frederica ; or serious instructions to a spy. 
While in this state of suspense, an incidental circum- 
stance removed his doubts. South Carolina, though 
she would not send her men, voted a supply of money, 
and ordered some ships to be sent to the aid of Ogle- 
thorpe. 

The Spanish officers were still deliberating what 
course to pursue, when those vessels appeared in sight. 
Supposing them to be the six British ships, they imme- 
diately set fire to the fort, and embarked in such haste 
and confusion, as to leave behind many pieces of artil- 
lery, provisions and military stores. 

Georgia was thus freed from impending ruin. Gene- 
ral Oglethorpe was hailed as a most meritorious officer, 
who had preserved the peace of South Carolina, and 
the existence of Georgia. The Spanish general, on his 
arrival at Havanna, was imprisoned for malconduct, or 
cowardice. The Spaniards threatened another attack 
on Georgia, but nothing was effected. 

NotwiUistanding parliament had at different times 
jzranted ninety-four, which, with other donations, 
amounted to one hundred and twelve thousand pounds, 
towards the settlement of Georgia, such were the re- 
strictions, forfeitures and hardships, endured by the co- 
lonists, that the province long remained in a languishing 
condition. 



KENTUCKY. 10,3 

Some quitted the country ; others crossed the Savan- 
nah to settle under a government affording its suhjecfs 
superior advantages. After repeated complaints, the 
trustees at length surrendered their charter to the crown ; 
and, in 1752, the government became regal, A gene- 
ral court was established in 1755. 

The colony increased but slowly ; from the want of 
enterprise, from habits of indolence, ignorance of tlie 
productions most suitable to the soil, and from want of 
skill in agriculture. It was not till after the year 1760 
that the rich swamps, low lands on the rivers, and fat 
soils elsewhere, were cultivated or subdued. • 

f- The exports of 1703, were but twenty-seven thousand 
pounds 5 yet so great was the spirit of enterprise, so 
open had become the road to riches, particularly by the 
example, exertions, and success of Governor Wright, 
that the exports of stEfple commodities, in 1773, amount- 
ed to almost one hundred and twenty-two thousand 
pounds. 

All the lands lying between the Alatamaha and St. 
Mary's, were annexed to Georgia in 1763, by George 
the Third. The constitution of Georgia was adopted 
in 1785, and amended four years after. In 1785 the 
legislature incorporated what is now called the Univer- 
sity of Georgia. In 1798, the constitution, was adopt- 
ed as it now stands. 

KENTUCKY. 

That part of Virginia, the site of which is west of 
the Allegany mountains, though well known to a few 
Indian traders, and though a map of it was published 
by Lewis Evans, in the year 1749, was little known to 
the Virginians ; remained unexplored by them ; nor 
was any attempt made to settle it till the year 1773. 
Three years before. It had been explored by Colonel 
Daffiel Boone : and this year he made a settlement in 
the wilderness, with five families and forty men, from 
Powell's valley. 

During the revolution the young settlement was fn- 

E2 



106 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

qnently ravaged by the Indians, and almost annihilated. 
It was saved from total destruction by reinforcements 
of settlers, mostly from Virginia, who were attracted 
to Kentucky by reports of the wholesomeness of the 
climate, and the excessive productiveness of the soil. 

In 1778, General Clark, in various engagements, 
overcame several tribes, and laid waste their villages, 
so that the inhabitants soon began to feel secure ; and 
to extend their settlements. 

In 1777, the legislature of Virginia erected the terri- 
tory into a county : and five years after made it a se- 
parate district, and established a supreme court. The 
first tree, on the site where Lexington now stands, was 
cut down in 1779 and the town laid out three years af- 
ter ; a town \^ hich now contains between five and six 
thousand inhabitants. 

The inconveniences attending their great distance 
from the seat of governnrient, six hundred miles, soon 
disclosed the advantages, if not the necessity, of dis- 
inembermcnt from the parent stock. In 1783 deputies 
were convened from the different counties, and after 
deliberation they resolved to petition the legislature of 
Virginia for her consent to the independence of Ken- 
tucky. Many delays, however, took place, owing to 
the change of the government of the United States and 
other causes, so that it was not made a separate state 
till December,, 1790$ nor admitted into the Union till 
June 1st, 1792. 

A seminary was incorporated in 1798, under the title 
of Transylvania University. In 1818, Rev. Mr. Hol- 
ley, of Boston, accepted the invitation of the trustees 
to preside in this institution, which at this time (1820) 
is flourishing, the students of all classes amounting to 
about two hundred. The constitution, formed when the 
state was admitted into theUnion, was amended in 1799, 
and established as it now exists. 

The population of the state has been amazing, owing 
to emigrations from almost every state in the Union, 
and from almost every part of Europe. According to 
the first census, taken in 1790, the number of persons, 



I P i iii «ii II, i m ■ ■ > i.,. 



TENNESSEE. ' 10? 

\Tliite and black, was almost sevcnt\-four thousand; 
Ten years after, the whole number was two hundred 
and twenty-one thousand ; in 1810, the number amount- 
ed to upwards of four Iiundred and six thousand ; and 
in 1S20, to upwards of five hundred and sixty-four 
thousand. 

TENNESSEE. 

The state of Tennessee, like that of Kentucky, re- 
ceives its name from its principal river. The name iu 
the Indian language signifies a spoon, the curvature o{ 
the Indian spoon, in the imagination of the savages, re- 
sembling that of the river Tennessee. 

Soon after Georgia was settled, the Shawnee Indians, 
who lived about the river Savannah, settled on the Cum- 
berland, near where the town of Nashville now stands ; 
but were driven away by the Cherokees who possessed 
the country atthe time of its first settlement. This was 
in the year 1754 ; at which time about fifty families had 
made a settlement : from which, however, they were dis- 
lodged by the savages before the close of the next year^ 

In the second charter of Charles the Second to the 
proprietors of Carolina, this territory, was included. 
When North and South Carolina were divided, what is 
now Tennessee fell to the former. The interposition 
of mountains, the distance from the sea, and the dan- 
gers to be apprehended from the savages, all conspire^ 
to prevent its settlement. 

In 1765, attempts were again made to settle it. At 
the commencement of the revolution some considerable 
settlements were made on the river- Watawga. They 
were for a long time wholly unnoticed by the govern- 
ment of North Carolina or its laws ; but adopted for 
their own government such regulations as their circum- 
stances required. 

Henry Stewart and Alexander Cameron, during the 
revolution, made overtures to the Tennesseans to join 
the British standard. The overtures were indignandy 
rejected ; they unanimously determined to support the 



108 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

measures of Congress. In consequence of which the 
' Cheroliees were instigated to invade their settlements^ 
intending to depopulate tlieir country quite to the Kan- 
hawa. In this attempt, however, the savages were al- 
together defeated. 

When the constitution of North Carolina was esta- 
blished in 1776, the district sent deputies. The popu- 
lation, from emigrations, principally, rapidly increased. 
North Carolina, ceded their right to the western terri- 
tory of the slate, to Congress, in 1789, and the next 
May, Congress passed an act, establishing a territorial 
c;overnment, under the title of " The territory of the 
United States south of the river Ohio." Six years af- 
ter, it Was made an independent state, and admitted, the 
sixteenth, into the tJnion. The constitution of the state 
was established the same year, (1796.) 

While the government was territorial, acts were pass- 
ed for incorporating three colleges in what is called 
East Tennessee, the state being divided into two dis- 
tricts, the eastern and western. A college has also late- 
ly been established at Nashville, in West Tennessee, 
under the name of Cumberland College. 

OHIO. 

The state of Ohio, so called from the river on which 
it borders, was inhabited only by the Indians, a few 
3Ioravians and trespassers on lands belonging to the 
public, till the year 1787. The territory was claimed 
by Virginia, the boundless limits of whose charter, might 
include a great part of North America, extending to 
the Pacific. In the original charter of Connecticut, a 
large part of the state was also included ; of which men- 
lion has been made in the history of that state. 

The legislature of Virginia, in 1781, ceded to the 
United States all their rights to the territory north-west 
of the river Ohio, excepting some military tracts re- 
served for the officers and soldiers of that state, who had 
assisted in the reduction of British forts on the Ohio 
and its branches. 



wmmm 



OHIO. 209 



Under the direction of General Rufus Putnam, the 
first settlement was begun at Marietta, in 1788. It had 
been, the year before, erected into one district, including 
the present territories of Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. 

The wars with the Indians prevented its rapid increase 
in population till the year 1795 ; when a genera! peace 
with the different tribes having taken place ; emigrations 
from Europe, but more from theNew-EnglandstateSjSoon 
began to make the " wilderness blossom like the rose.'* 

In 1800 the population amounted to forty-two thou- 
sand : in 1810, to two hundred and thirty-one thousand. 
In 1802, what is now the state of Ohio, was separated 
from the remainder of the north-west territory, and ad- 
mitted a member of the Union. The present consti- 
tution of the state was soon after adopted, and the go- 
vernment was organized the succeeding March. 

A college, now in its infancy, has been founded in 
Cincinnati, over which Dr. Elijah Slack presides. Cin- 
cinnati is the largest town in the state. In 1820, it con- 
tained upwards of 9,000 inhabitants, and is a place of 
great trade, with extensive manufactories. In 1S19, 
there had been nearly seventy steam-boats built to na- 
vigate the waters of the Ohio and Mississippi, of from 
50 to 400 tons burthen. Many of them have, however, 
been injured or lost, by obstructions in the navigation. 

This state is remarkable for certain antiquities^ par- 
ticularly its ancient mounds and forts ; a short account 
of which we here extract from the last edition of the 
Ohio Gazetteer, by John Kilbourn. 

'"'^Antiquities. — The most prominent antiquities are 
the numerous mounds and forts of earth, in the state of 
Ohio, as well as the western states generally, which are 
found interspersed throughout almost the whole extent 
of country, as far west and south-west of the Allegany 
mountains as the country is much known. The gene- 
ral direction in which these fortifications, as they are 
called, lie, is from north-east to soutli-west. The place 
where they commence, or at least, where they are very 
remarkable, is in the western part of the state of New- 
York, near the southern shores of lake Ontario. From 



110 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATED. 

thence tlley exti^nd in a soutli-westerly direction through 
the western states and territories,and terminate in Mexico. 

'•' \ arious have been the conjectures of the learned, 
concerning the time when, by what people, and even 
for what purpose, these stupendous monuments of human 
ingenuity were erected. Their origin is so deeply in- 
volved in the obscurity of remote antiquity, without any 
light of history, or even authentic tradition, to conduct 
our inquiries concerning them to the desired resuhj that 
no certainty* upon the subject will probably ever be at- 
tained. The writer will therefore only give an account 
of facts, or a mere statement of the present appearances 
of those antiquities ; and even within these limits, he 
will confine himself chiefly to a description of those 
which have fallen within thelimits of his own personal 
observation; It will likewise be unnecessary to describe, 
minutely, every individual mound and fortification ; 
for, almost always, the same general plan and principle 
of their structure is discoverable in them all. There- 
fore, a particular- d-eseriptjon of a few will substantially 
be a description of the remainderi 

" Some ofthe most remarkable forts and mounds in 
this state, are:at Worthington, at Granville, in Athens, 
in Marietta^ in Galliopoiis, in Chilicothej on Paint 
Creek, eighteen miles north-west from Ghilicothe, on a. 
plain three miles north-east of Chilicothe, and at Cir- 
cleville on the east bank of the &cioto river, about six- 
ty miles in a direct line from its mouth, and on the little 
!^Iiami river. There are no fortifications, or not any 
of much notoriety, at any of these places, except at 
Granville, at Gircleville, near Ghilicothe, on Paint 
Greek, and the little Miami ; but, at these places, there 
are both mounds and forts. . 

Mounds of earth, of various sizes, are found inter- 
spersed over almost the whole face af the country; but 
the forts, as they are called, are not so numerous. The 
mounds vary, in magnitude, vastly from each other, and 
somewhat so in shape ; some are of a conical figure, 
ending on the top in a point, and as steep on the sides 
as the earth could be made to lie ; others are of the same 



OHIO. 11! 

form, except that they present a ffat area on the top, like 
a cone cut offat some distance from its vertex, in a plane 
coincident with its base, or with the horizon. 

" Others again are of a semi-globular shape. Of this 
latter description is that standing in Galliopolis. The 
largest one near Worthington is of the second kind, 
and presents, on the summit, a level area of 40 feet in 
diameter. There is one at Marietta of the same kind, 
but the circular area on the top does not exceed 20 feet 
in diameter. Its perpendicular height is about 50 feet ; 
and is 20 rods in circumference at its base. Those in 
Worthington and Galliopolis, are each from 15 to 20 
rods in circumference, at their bases. 

*' There are a number of others of less magnitude, 
which have fallen within the hmits of the writer's obser- ^ 
vation, particularly on the west side of theHockhocking 
riyer, in the township of Athens; on the south side of 
Shade river about 20 miles south of Athens : and in tlie 
French Grant about 60 rods north of the Ohio river^ 
and opposite to the mouth of Litiie Sandy river, in 
Kentucky. 

*'~At each of tlie two latter places, respectively, there 
are several mounds witliin a few feet of eac)i other. 
These are much smaller than those before described, 
and are each from 5 to 10 or 15 feet in perpendiculai* 
height, and proportionably large in circumference. 

" Many of these mounds are composed of earth of 
a different quality from that which is found in their im- 
mediate vicinitj'. This circumstance seems to indicate 
that the earth cf which the^ were composed, was trans- 
ported from some distance. A striking instance of this 
difference of composition was observed, a fewyears since, 
in a mound at Franklinton, near the main fork of the 
Scioto river. This mound was composed altogether of 
clay, of which the brick for the court house, in that 
town, were made. In it were likewise found a much 
greater number of human bones, than have been dis- 
covered in almost any other of its size. 

" It is believed, from the best information which can 
be obta'.ncd upon the subject, that the largest of ail tlta^ 



112 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

mounds which have yet been discovered, is the one ad~ 
joinmg Big Grave creek, near the Ohio river, 14 miles 
below Wheeling. 

" This mound, according to the account given of it 
by an intelligent gentleman, who examined itpersonall}^, 
is about 33 rods in circumference, and consequently be- 
tween 10 and 11 rods in diameter at its base. Its per- 
pendicular height is about 70 feet. On the summit is an 
area of nearly 60 feet in diameter, in the middle of 
which is a regular concavity, the cubical cantent of 
which is about 3000 feet. Within a short distance of 
this large one, are five smaller ones, some of which are 
thirty feet in diameter. 

*' The ephithet Grave has been applied to the creek 
^which runs by the large mound, and to another called 
Ltittle Grave creek, one mile north of the former, on 
account of the great number of tliese mounds which 
have been discovered in their vicinit}^ : which mounds^ 
both here and elsewhere, are pretty generally supposed 
to have been cemeteries for the dead. 

" One principal reason for this supposition, is the 
circumstance of human bones having been discovered 
m most of those which have been examined. Most of 
these bones pi-esently crumble in pieces or moulder in- 
to dust, shortly after being exposed to the air; except 
in some instances, wherein the teeth, jaw, scull, and 
sometimes a few other bones, by their peculiar solidit}^, 
resist tlie above described effects af a contact with the 
air, 

" Among those places, where are the greatest num- 
ber, and most prominent and entire of the earthen 
walls, which are commonly supposed to have been 
forts and military fortifications, are Granville and 
Circleville, in this state, and the land bordering on the 
Great Kanhawa river in Virginia, towards its mouth, 
and from thence down the Ohio 10 or 12 miles ; at the 
latter place in particular, the country is very thickly 
bestrown with them. And among these is a mound of 
similar magnitude with the largest at Grave creek.^ 

" The. fortifications thrmighout the western country 



®HIO. 113 

generally, consist of a circular wall composed of earth, 
and usually, as steep, on the sides, as the dirt could, 
conveniently, be made to lie. Sometimes, though 
rarely, their form is elliptical or ovjl, and a few of 
them are square. Their height is almost infinitely va- 
rious. Some of them are so low as to be scarcely per- 
ceptible : some are from 20 to 30 feet in perpendicular 
height ; while others again are of an intermediate ele- 
vation. 

" But the wall of the same fort is pretty uniformly of 
the same height all around. They are likewise equally 
various in the contents of ground which they enclose : 
some containing but a few perches of land : others 
again, containing nearly 100 acres. The number of 
their entrances or gateways, varies in different forts, 
from one to eight or more, in proportion to tile plan of 
construction and magnitude of the enclosure. The 
walls are mostly single ; but, in a few instances, the 
forts have been found consisting of two walls, parallel, 
and adjacent to each other. 

" As to their local situation, it may, perhaps, suffice 
to observe, that they are generally, situated on a com- 
paratively elevated site of ground, adjoining a river or 
stream of water. Some, even among the most learned 
men, have controverted the idea of their having been 
designed for forts ; but a strong argument in favour of 
the idea is, that tliey seem in a majority of instances to 
have been constructed in such advantageous and 
commanding ground as a skillful military engineer 
and tactician would have selected, for military posi- 
tions ; still numbers of them seem to be erected, with- 
out any regard to the choice of situation, as it respects 
eligibility, either for offence or defence. 

" One of the most remarkable collections of these for- 
tifications, is at Circleville, the chief town of Pickaway 
county. This town derives its name from the circum- 
stance of being laid out within one of the old circular 
forts, and with circular streets, corresponding with the 
external fortification. -The town plat, however, includes 
tlie area of a square fort, adjoining the circular one, on 



114 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

tlie east, besides two streets circumscribing nearly the 
whole. 

'' The circular fort consists of two parallel walls,^ 
whose tops are, ?.pparently, about three rods asunder ; 
the inner one of which is forty-seven rods in diameter. 
Between these two walls is a fosse, excavated sufficient- 
ly broad and deep; and not more than sufficiently so, 
to have afforded earth enough for the construction of 
the external wall alone. Fi'om this circumstance, 
among others, the earth composing the inner wall, is 
supposed to have been transported from a distance. 

'" Another particular, corroborating this supposition, 
is there being a level foot way, of about four leet wide^ 
left on the original surface of the ground, between the 
interior bourn of the ditch, and the exterior base of the 
inner wall. Although this circumstance is far from be- 
ing conclusive upon the subject ; yet, the following fact 
almost infallibly proves this conjecture to be well found- 
ed. This is, that the interior wall is composed of clay, 
of which the inhabitants manufacture brick ;. whereas, 
the exterior circle is composed'of dirt aad gravel of a 
similar quality with that which composes the neighbour- 
ing ground. 

" There is but one original regular opening, or pas- 
sage, into the circular fort ; and that is in the east side 
from the square one. The latter has seven avenues 
leading into it, exclusively of that which communicates 
with the circle ; there is one at every corner, and one 
on each side equi-distant from the angular openings. 
These avenues are each 12 or 15 feet wide; and the 
walls on either hand, rise immediately to their usual 
height ; which is above 20 feet. 

" The trees, which are growing upon these, and all 
the other forts and mounds throughout the country, are, 
apparently, of equal age and size, and those which are 
down, are in equal stages of decay, with those, in like 
situations, in the surrounding forests. This circum- 
stance, incontestibly proves the great antiquity of these 
stupendous remains of former Igcbour and ingenuity. 



OHIO. 1|5 

*' The following figure is a representation of the an- 
d^nt works about Circleville." 

North 




South. 

A traveller,* who has given a minute and correct de- 
scription of the ancient works at Marietta, after de- 
scribing the mounds, proceeds to speak of the forts, 
ramparts and covert way. 

" After leaving this little mound, I entered the south- 
ern extremity of what is called the Little Fort, being a. 
parallelogram of five hundred and thirty paces in length, 
and three hundred and seventy in breadth, its longest 
sides extending to the north-west, and lying parallel, ta 
the river. 

*' This fort has three entrances or gateways on each 
side ; one in the middle, and one at each corner ; each 
of the' corner passages, is covered or defended by a 
small elevated mound, and the middle gates by two. 
The walls or ramparts are generally from five to eight 
feet in height, and appear to be in a tolerable state of 
preservation. A small distance to the west end, and on 
the outside of this fort, towards the margin of what was 
formerly the river, is the IJDot which has been designat- 
ed as the burial ground of the ancients. 

*' From the Little Fort about one hundred and forty- 
five paces, still further towards the north-west, stands 
the Great Fort, which is in the form of an oblong 
square, about five hundred and fifty paces in length, and 
five hundred and ten in breadth, having three pas- 
sages or gateways on each side ; but that on the south- 
vTcst, or river side, is somewhat the largest. 

* Shultz. 



116 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

*' The walls are, generally, from five to nine feet in 
height, and fourteen paces in thickness at the bottom. 
From the large gatewa}^ and at another on the river 
side of the wall, are two covert ways leading towards 
the river, about one hundred and forty-three paces in 
length. In the inside of the middle entrance of the 
south-west wall or rampart, is a singular and elevated 
square mound, extending parallel to the sides of the fort, 
sixty paces in length to the north-west, forty-eight in 
breadth to the north-east, and about eight and a half 
feet in height. 

*' It has likewise abutments at the centre of each side, 
forming gentle ascents to the top, excepting the side 
nearest to the wall, which has a covered way four paces 
wide, extending inward a few paces, when it likewise 
affords another passage to the summit. 

" At the easternmost corner, on the right, there is 
another mound of the same figure and form as the last, 
although not so large, being no more than fortj^-four 
paces in length, twenty-two in breadth, and about five 
feet in height. This mound, from some unknown cause 
or other, appears in a farless perfect state than the former. 

"At the southernmost corner, on the left, is a narrow, 
and something of a half-moon formed parapet, about 
the same height, and tighty paces in extent, with a 
mound at the centre, which evidently appears to have 
been intended to defend the gate at that corner. 

" At the westernmost corner, there is another of the 
afore-mentioned mounds, with abutments at each side, 
affording an easy passage to the summit; this one is 
about nine feet in height, seventy-six paces* in length, 
and fifty-four in breadth. 

" Exclusive of the works just mentioned, there are 
many smaller mounds and excavations, without the li- 
mits of the walls or ramparts, but in general so trifling 
and imperfect, when compared with what I have already 
described, as not to be deserving of notice. 

" There seems to be a considerable diversity of opi- 
nion among those who have examined these works, re- 
specting the origiu.al intention or design for which they 



OHIO. iir 

were erected by the founders; for, while some, and 
among those, several military characters, who ought to 
be able to form a competent judgment, have pronounced 
them places of warlike defence ; others have insisted 
that they were the mere towns of some peaceable peo- 
ple, and that the elevations which have been mistaken 
for forts and ramparts, were nothing more than the site 
of their temples,^ and the. walls of their gardens ; and 
the elevated mounds, the sepulchres of their dead, or 
' high places of sacrifice !" 

" The passages or spaces in the sides or walls of the 
ramparts, were probably used as gateways, and guarded 
accordingly. The mean distance between these gate- 
ways is one hundred and sixty-five paces; consequently 
the guard stationed at one gate was within hail of him 
who kept watch at the next. 

" For what particular purpose the elevated mounds 
or platforms in the Great Fortwere intended I am un- 
able to determine, yet think it not unreasonable to sup- 
pose, that they may have been raised for the site of 
some warlike engines, to discharge stones or other mis- 
sile weapons upon a besieging enemy. 

" What strengthens this opinion is, that each of these 
mounds commands a principal passage to the fort, and 
the largest one overlooks that which opens to the Mus- 
kingum, from which the covert ways extended to the 
low grounds, where, as I have before observed, the river 
formerly flowed. 

*' If, therefore, these works, after a lapse of so many 
ages, still evince such evident signs of skill and design 
in their founders, it is but reasonable to suppose, that 
when they were first erected, they were even more per- 
fect, and that they may have been surrounded with pick- 
ets, palisades, and other temporary works, which being of 
a more perishable nature, have entirely disappeared." 

One of the small mounds at Marietta, was removed 
in 1819. In the centre, on a level with the surrounding 
earth, were found human bones in a stone enclosure ; 
and beside the bones, the remains of a sworf'd, or rather 
the hilt of a sword, which was of copper, plated with silver.- 



118 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

These mounds and forts appear to have been con- 
structed ages since, by a race of men partially civil- 
ized ; and skilled in the arts very far indeed beyond the 
present Indians. By whom they were constructed is 
altogether a subject of conjecture. 

It is the opinion of many judicious persons^ that a 
number of Asiatics crossed Bheering's straits and pro- 
ceeded S. E. as far as to the Alleghany mountains ; and 
that these forts were constructed to defend them from 
the natives ; by whom the Asiatics were finally over- 
powered ', or with whom they eventually intermixed. 

LOUISIANA, 

Louisiana was first discovered in 1541, Tby Ferdinand 
de Soto. Monsieur de la Salle explored the Mississippi 
in 1682, and named tbe country, in honour of Louis 
the Fourteenth, Louisiana. A French setdement was 
begun, in 1699, by Ibberville. 

In consequence of the very extravagant accounts, 
circulated in Europe, of the country about the Missis- 
sippi, a large colony of labourers from Germany, France 
and Switzerland, (1719) settled on the island of Orleans; 
but so unhealthy was the district where they had plant- 
ed themselves, that they .perished in a short time by 
hundreds. 

The trade of the country, which was, however, mosdy 
nominal, had been for several years held by a company, 
till in 1731 it was relinquished into the hands of the 
French government : in whose quiet possession it re- 
mained till 1762, excepting frequent contests with the 
savages. 

1720. The Spaniards of New-Mexico, with intention 
to overawe the French, diminish their trade with the 
Indians, and limit their boundaries, laid a plan for 
planting a large colony on the Missouri. A vast num- 
ber, to carry into effect this intention, left Santa Fe, 
and took up their march towards the Missouri, intend- 
ing to engage the Osage Indians, (a large and warlike 
uadon, several hundred miles above the confiuence of 



LOUISIANA. 119 

the Mississippi anil Missouri,) to attack the Missouries 
in conjunction with them, for the purpose of taking pos- 
session, by force, of their lands. 

By some fatal mistake they took a wrong' direction ; 
and instead of going to the Osage nation, went to the 
Missouries. Supposing them Osages, the Spaniards 
immediately made them acquainted with their inten- 
tions; thus giving them full knowledgeof their perilous 
situation. 

The Missouri chief, pretending to be the Osage chief, 
readily agreed to the plan ; at the same fime informing 
the Spaniards that it would require forty-eight hours 
to assemble his warriors. When the time had elapsed, 
two thousand warriors fell upon the unsuspecting and 
unprepared Spaniards, and murdered the whole of them 
in their sleep ; the chaplain excepted, whose singular 
apparel saved his life. 

1729. A considerable settlement having been made 
at what is now called Natchez, on account of a tribe 
of Indians of that iia-me who dwelt there, the Indians 
conspired under the mask of friendship, to destroy the 
whole French settlement. Ata given signal they fell upon 
them, killed two hundred Frenchmen, and made prison- 
ers of about five hundred women, children and negroes. 

The next year the governor -of Louisiana, with a 
small French force, and about sixteen hundred warriors 
of the Choctaw nation, undertoolian expedition against 
the Natchez. The Indians, under pretence of making 
conditional proposals of surrender, by gaining time, 
silently evacuated their fort in the night, with their bag- 
gage, and the spoils of the last year's massacre. 

Their retreat was some time after discovered on the 
west of the Mississippi. The Indians shut themselves 
in their fort, but could make no resistance against the 
French mortars. They were all made prisoners, sent 
to New-Orleans, thence to St. Domingo, where they 
were sold for slaves. Thus was this once very power- 
fid nation destroyed. *, 

1736. The communication between Canada and 
Louisiana had Leen for some time cut olf by the Chick- 



120 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

asaw Indians, who opposed the progress of the French 
up the Mississippi. A party from New-Orleans with a 
large party from Canada, determined to extirpate them. 
Thedetachment from New-Orleans not seasonably arriv- 
ing, the Canadians proceeded to the Chickasaw towns. 

The Chickasaws were prepared for them ; killed 
about sixty; took the rest prisoners, and soon after 
tied them to the stake, tortured them, and burnt them 
to death. Another expedition was made four j'^ears 
after against the Chickasaws, with a large army from 
New-Orleans and Canada; the sight of which made 
the Indians sue for peace ; which was granted ; and has 
ever since been preserved. 

In 1764 the inhabitants of Louisiana were informed 
by the French that their whole country haMeen ceded . 
to the Spanish by a secret treaty made in 1762. To 
this measure, considered by them as impolitic and un- 
just, they did not submit without great reluctance and 
great opposition ; so that complete possession was not 
obtained till the 17th of August, 1769. 

By the treaty of peace of 1763, to the British was 
yielded the whole territory east of the Mississippi to 
the Ibberville, thence through the middle of that river 
to the lakes Maurepas and Ponchartrain, to the gulf ol 
Mexico. The town and delta of New-Orleans were ex- 
cepted in the cession. During the American war Spain 
took the Floridas. By the treaty of 1783, Great Britain 
lost what had been before ceded to her, east of the Mis- 
sissippi, which fell into the hands of the United States. 

By the treaty of St. Ildefonso, the provi.ice waf 
ceded to France, with the same extent as when France 
before possessed it. It soon after passed into the hand; 
of France. Of France, it was purchased by the Unitec 
States in 1803, and in December of the same year, de- 
livered over in due form by the Spanish commissaries 
to the French commissioner, and by him to the United 
States. It was then divided into separate territorial 
governments. What is now the state of Louisiana, 
was admitted into the union in 1812. This state con- 
tains about 45,000 square miles. 



MISSISSIPPI, INDIANA, AND ILLINOIS. 121 



MISSISSIPPI. 

Mississippi has been, for ages inhabited by the Creek 
Indians, the Choctaws, Cherokees and Chickasaw^. 
Of the extinction of the Natchez, once the most illus- 
trious of all the southern Indian nations, we have already 
spoken. — These Indians, but especially the Cherokee:?, 
are in a considerable degree accustomed to the habit$ 
of civilized life ; keeping cattle, horses, sheep, &:c. ; 
attending to all the labours of the dairy, the mill, the 
loom and the plough. 

Considerable settlements were made about the Nat- 
chez country, by emigrants from the northward, as early 
as 1779. The territory was erected into a separate 
government in 1800, like other territorial governments 
of the United States. By the census of 1810, it con- 
tained forty thousand whites and seventeen thousand 
slaves. In 1816, it contained 75,764, of whom 30,000 
were slaves. It was admitted into the union as an in- 
dependent state, in 1817. 

INDIANA. 

Indiana was taken from what was called the North* 
western Territory, in 1801, and made a separate go- 
vernment. To a great part of the state the Indian title 
is not yet extinct. Its population, in 1810, was upwards 
of twenty-four thousand. It became a state in 1816. 

ILLINOIS. 

Illinois was settled in a few places by the French^ 
before the year 1756. It was taken from*^Indiana ter- 
ritory in 1 809, and made a separate territorial govern- 
ment. Its population Jn 1810, was upwards of twelve' 
thousand. It was admitted into the Union as an inde^- 
pendent state, in 1818. 




122 HISTORY OF TPIE. UNITED STATES- 
ALABAMA. 

The territory, formerly a part of West Florida, to- 
gether with the east part of the Mississippi territory, 
was admitted into the Union as an independent state, 
in 1820. Mobile is the capital. 

MICHIGAN TERRITORY. 

The Huron tribe of Indians inhabited Michigan ter- 
ritory from remote -ages. About the year 1648, mis- 
sionaries from the Jesuits visited the country ; and not 
long after, built a chapel at the falls of St. Mary's; and 
another at the island of St. Joseph. Most of the Hurons 
were converted to Christianity ; but were wholly extir- 
pated, about twenty years after, by the Six Nations, who 
had long been irreconcilable enemies to them. The 
place of the Hurons was supplied by the Chippewas, 
Wyandots, he. The French built a fort at Detroit, 
and another at Michillimacinac, or Mackinaw, to pro- 
tect the fur trade. This territory fell, with Canada, 
into the hands of the British, and continued in a neg- 
lected state, until it was ceded to the United States, 
at the close of the American revolution. 

The fort at Detroit was not, however, giveir up by 
the British, till after the ratification of Jay's treaty, in 
1795. It was made a separate territorial government 
in 1805, and General Hull was appointed by Mr. Jef- 
ferson its first governor. 

The MISSOURI TERRITORY is bounded E. by 
the Mississippi, S. by the 36th degree of N. latitude, 
W. by a meridian line passing through the mouth of 
the Kansas river, N. by the parallel of latitude which 
passes through the rapids of the river Des Moines, and 
along the said river to its mouth. This territory hav- 
ing the requisite number of inhabitants, made applica- 
tion to Congress in 1818 — 19, for authority to form a 
state constitution, previous to admission into the Union. 
The bill was lost, however, by the disagreement of the 



ARKANSAS, AND FLORIDA. 123 

two houses, on the question whether slavery should be 
tolerated. In 1819 — 20, after a long and interesting 
debate, the bill passed both houses and became a ^aw, 
a compromise Iiaving been effected, by which slavery 
may be admitted into Missouri, but to be for ever prohi- 
bited north and west of that territory ; a compromise 
by which the slave-holding states obtain all the advan- 
tages they could expect or perhaps desire. In 1821, a 
prospective admission of. Missouri into the Union w as 
provided for upon certain conditions. 

The ARKANSAS TERRITORY comprises all 
the country between the state of Louisiana, west of the 
Mississippi, and the territory of Missouri. A territo- 
rial government was established in 1819, and General 
James Miller appointed governor. 

FLORIDA. — Since the first edition of this work was 
published, the whole of East, and the remaining part of 
West Florida have been ceded to the United States, by 
Spain. Pensacola, on the gulf of Mexico, and St. Au- 
gustine, on the Atlantic, are the principal tow ns. The 
wandering Creeks or Seminoles, possess much of the 
eastern part of the territory, and the white inhabitants 
do not probably exceed 15,000. This country was 
first discovered by Sebastian Cabot, in 1497. The first 
settlement was made in 1524. In 1562, John Ribault, 
a Frenchman, made settlements, but was driven off in 
1565 by the Spaniards, who held it till 1763, when it 
was ceded to Great Britain; The Spaniards again took 
possession in 1781, and continued to hold it till ceded 
as above. General Andrew Jackson was appointed the 
first governor. 



CHAPTER V. 
UNITED STATES. 

French and Indiaii War. 

#hio Company; threat of the French Governor of Canada; encroach- 
ments of the French; Washington sent to the Ohio; military expe- 
dition under Washington ; plans of a campaign ; conquest of Aca- 
die; Braddock's defeat ; Crown Point ; Campaign of 1756 — of 
3757 — of 1758; Surrender of Lotiisburg, fee,; and of Fort da 
Qnesne ; campaign of 1759 ; proceedings of Amherst ; fall of Nia- 
gara ; fall of Quebec ; death of Wolfe and Montcalm ; Levi's at- 
tempt to regain Quebec ; surrender of Montreal; complete conquest 
of Canada; Peace. 

.WE now return to a more general summary of the 
affairs of the United States. 

1750. A number of noblemen, merchants and 
others, of London, together with some influential Vir- 
guiia planters, formed a society under the name of the 
Ohio company, and obtained from the crown a char- 
ter grant of six hundred thousand acres, on and near 
the river Ohio ; and soon after took means for com- 
mencing establishments on the Ohio, for the purpose 
of commerce with the Indians, as well as with a view 
to the settlement of the country. 

Information of their proceeding soon reached the 
French Governor in Canada; who immediately ap- 
prehended that, if the company should be uninterrupt- 
ed in the prosecution of their plan, a great part of their 
valuable fur trade would be destroyed, and all commu- 
nication cut off between Canada and Louisiana. 

France laid claim, by right of discovering the IVIis- 
sissippi, to ail the territory bordering on that river, and 
on its tributary streams. The claim of France, there- 
fore, on the eastern side of the Ohio, extended to the Al- 
leghany mountains. By the ancient charters of France 
also, the territories granted, extended from north to 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. ).2J^ 

south without limit; wiiile the English charters ex- 
tended, east and west, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 

The Canadian Governor immediately wrote to the 
governors of Pennsylvania and New-York, that iP 
these English traders on the Ohio did notimmediately 
stop their encroachments on the French territories, lie 
shoidd order their seizure wherever found. The Ca- 
nadian traders excited the fears of the Indians, by tell- 
ing them that the English were about to deprive them 
of their lands. The Pennsjdvanians also acted the 
same part, because the profits of the fur trade has been 
cliiefly theirs, and the Ohio company were opening a 
road to the Potomac to carry the trade to Virginia. 

As no notice was taken of the menace of the Gov- 
ernor of Canada, he soon executed his threat, and 
seized a number of the British traders, and carried 
them to the French fort on lake Erie. The Twight 
wees, with whom the English had been trading, imme- 
diately made reprisals by seizing some French traders 
and sending them to Philadelphia. 

Meanwhile the French governor opened a commu- 
nication from the fort at Presque Isle on lake Erie, to 
the Ohio. — The Ohio company, thus threatened with 
annihilation, complained to the lieutenant governor of 
A^irginia, Dinwiddie, that the French were encroaching 
on the territory of that State, a- granted by their 
charter. 

1753. Dinwiddle laid the subject before the assem- 
bly, who determined to demand, in the name of the 
king, that the French should desist. George Wash- 
ington, then in his twenty-second year, was despatched 
with a letter to the commandant on the Ohio, who said 
he acted according to his orders; and transmitted the 
letter to the Governor. After receiving a written an- 
swer, Washington returned to Virginia; but not be- 
fore he had carefully surveyed the fort. 

The British ministr}^, being informed of the deter- 
mination of the French to claim and hold by force the 
country, and make prisoners of every Englishman found 
there, directed the Virginians to oppose them by force 



126 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of arms. A regiment was raised in Virginia, and an 
independent company arrived from South Carolina. 
Two other companies were ordered from New- York. 

Major Washington was raised to a Colonel, and com- 
manded the troops. Without waiting for the New-York 
companies he began his march. On his rout he learned 
from a friendl}^ Indian, that the English, who had been 
rrccting a fort at the confluence of the Allegany and 
Monongahela, had been attacked and defeated by the 
French, who were then finishing the fort for themselves ; 
and that a party of French were encamped at a short 
distance, being on their march to the Great Meadows. 

This party he surprised and wholly defeated. Here 
he erected a small stockade fort, and proceeded towards 
the French fort, Du Quesne, (now Pittsburg.) But, 
learning that the French commander was approaching 
with nine hundred men, besides Indians; having him- 
self not four hundred; he returned to his fort at Great 
Meadows. Here he and his little party defended them- 
selves so well, that an honourable capitulation was the 
result, and he returned with his troops to Virginia. 

Orders were sent from England to the Governors of 
the different provinces to take effectual measures to dis- 
lodge the French, and to act in concert. The latter or- 
der produced the congress at Albany, of which a relation 
was given in the account of New-Y'"ork. Not being able 
to a^ree on any plan of union, it was resolved to prose- 
cute the dislodgement of the enemy with the British 
troops, and such troops as each colony might be willing 
to furnish. 

On the arrival of General Braddock, early in tlie 
spring of 1755, with a few regiments of soldiers, a con- 
vention of the colonial governors was held in Virginia ; 
when several different enterprises were agreed to be un- 
dertaken ; the principal of which was the reduction of 
Fort Du Quesne, to be conducted by Braddock ; ano- 
ther V. ns an attack on Niagara and Fort Frontinac, to 
be conducted by Governor Shirley of Massachusetts ; 
the third was against Crown Point. 

While these plans were in agitation, the boundaries 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 127 

of Nova-Scotia being unsettled, and the French having 
taken possession, and built forts on territory claimed 
by the British, an expedition was determined upon 
against those forts. The troops, about three thousand 
in number, most of them from Massachusetts, under 
command of General Monkton and General Winslow, 
sailed from Boston, the 20th of May. On the 2Sth, 
they arrived at Annapolis Royal, and soon after an- 
chored with forty-one vessels, near Fort St. Lavrrence. 

Here three hundred British troops, and a small train 
of artillery, were added. They immediately marched 
against Bean Sejour, the principal post held by the 
French. After five days the fort surrendered. The 
other forts soon after surrendered, and all the territory 
claimed by the English was abandoned by the French. 

In this eas}' conquest the English lost but three men. 
Lest the inhabitants should join the Canadians, they 
were dispersed about in different colonies, being first 
deprived of all their lands and other property, which 
were declared forfeited to the crown ; and, lest they 
should escape, their whole country was laid waste, aiid 
all their dwellinghouses burnt. The whole number 
thus dispersed exceeded nineteen hundred. 

General Braddock, with twelve hundred selected 
troops, Colonel Washington being his aid, left Virginia 
in June, and arrived at the Monongahela, the eighth of 
July. A part of his troops were to follow him with 
the heavy baggage ; his being only such as could be 
conveyed by horses, on account of the excessive rough- 
ness of the country : they \yere at this time about sixty 
miles behind Braddock. 

The next day Braddock pressed forward, intending 
to attack Fort Du Quesne. He had been cautioned 
against an ambush, and was earnestly entreated by 
Washington to let him go before, and scour the woods 
with his rangers. Though eminently courageous, he 
was too self-sufHcient and confident to listen to the 
voice of experience. 

About twelve o'clocii, seven milesfromFortDu Quesne, 
in an open wood thick set with high grass, unsuspicious 



X28 HISTORY OF THE UP^TED STATES. 

of peril, he was suddenly saluted with a vehement and 
deadly fire in front and along the whole of his left flank ; 
though scarcely an enemy was to be seen. The van 
was thrown into confusion, by the suddenness of the at- 
tack, the horrid yells of the Indians, and the havoc 
made by the first fire. 

Instead of retreating or scouring the woods, Brad- 
dock vainly endeavoured to form his men; and conti- 
imed with wanton bravery on the spot where he was first 
attacked, till three horses were shot under him ; when 
iie received a wound through the lungs and fell. The 
remains of the army immediately fled, bearing away, 
however, the body of the wounded commander. 

Every officer on horseback, except Washington, was 
either killed or wounded. Sixty-four, out of eighty- 
iive officers, and half of the privates, were killed. The 
artillery, ammunition, baggage, &jc. fell into the ene- 
my's hands. The French and Indians did not amount 
to five hundred; some assert three hundred and fifty. 
Washington displayed courage and coolness in bringing 
off those who escaped. The retreat was so rapid that 
no pause was made till the rear division was met. Both 
divisions retreated to Fort Cumberland. 

Colonel Dunbar, having the command, instead of 
making a stand, or returning to pursue the enemy, 
marched off to Philadelphia with fourteen hundred men, 
leaA^ng the wounded with the Virginians, at Fort Cum- 
berland. The frontier settlements were thus left expos- 
ed to the Indians and the French. Those whom the 
tomahawk and the scalping knife spared, of men, wo- 
men and children, returned to the interior. 

It was not till the latter part of August, that the ar- 
my intended for an attack on Crown Point, ari'ived at 
the south end of lake George. The delay occasioned 
by the want of united means under the direction of an 
efficient head, which had too often been the case among 
the colonies, gave the enemy time to prepare. 

Forces, that had escaped the vigilance of the British 
squadron lying at the mouth of St. Lawrence, had been 
sent from France, and had arrived in Canada. Baroo 



t 



FRENCH AND LNDIAN WAR. 129 

Dieskau commanded the French and Indian forces. 
Johnson, who commanded the provincial and British 
troops, understanding that Dieskau was approaching, 
sent Colonel Williams to reconnoitre, with a detach- 
ment of one thousand. This detachment was surprised 
by an ambush; (the commander and many of his men 
slain ;) and was forced to retreat. A second detach- 
ment, sent for the relief of the first, was also obliged to 
retreat. 

Dieskau pursued, determined to attack the whole of 
the provincial forces, who had strengthened themselves 
to the best of their abilities, about thirty rods from John- 
son's breastwork. Dieskau commenced the attack. He 
was received with so much intrepidity, and the cannon 
and musketry did so much execution among the Cana- 
dian militia and the Indians, th>it they soon began to fly. 
The provincials pursued, routed the enemy, killing se- 
ven hundred ; and among them the French command- 
er. The provincials lost about two hundred. 

It was so late in the season before Shirley, who was 
to conduct the expedition against Niagara and Fort 
Frontinac, was ready to march, that the enemy had so 
well fortified the latter, that he determined, leaving a 
part of his troops at Oswego, to make an attempt on 
Niagara, But the rains had set in with so much vio- 
lence as to impede his progress : the troops were dis- 
tressed ; the Indians forsook him ; and the plan was at 
length, abandoned, and Shirley returned to Albany. 
Thus closed the campaign of 1755. 

1756. Preparations were again made to achieve the 
object expected to be gained the last year. General 
Abercrombie was appointed commander in chief of all 
his majesty's forces in North America. But he was so 
tardy in his movements that he did not arrive in Albany 
till tfie first of July, 

This delay gave the enemy not only time to prepare 
for defence, but for offensive operations. An English 
fort in the country of thfe Five Nations was surprised, 
and the occupants massacred to a man. Colonel Brad- 
street, however, in three diffcx'ent engagements, com- 

F2. 

I 



180 ^ HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

pletely routed the enemy, mostly Indians, killing above 
two hundred, and losing seventy. 

After the death ofDieskau, Montcalm, an enterpris- 
ing and able officer, received the command of the French 
forces. On the tenth of August, he approached Oswe- 
go, and two daj^s after opened the trenches ; having un- 
der his command upwards of five thousand troops. The 
next day Colonel Mercer, the commander, was killed. 

Finding no chance of being able long to hold out, 
the fort was surrendered, on the fourteenth, with four- 
teen hundred men. The fort was immediately destroy- 
ed. Discouraged by this loss, and the breaking out of 
the small pox in the army at Albany, all farther offen- 
sive operations were relinquished. 

1757. This j^ear a large force, consisting of eleven 
ships of the line and fifty transports, with above six thou- 
sand troops, joined by above six thousand troops from 
tlie colonies, arrived at Halifax, in June, with a full ex- 
pectation of taking Louisburg. But so dilatory were 
tjiey, that the Brest fleet, consisting of seventeen sail of 
the line, besides frigates and transports, had been per- 
mitted to reinforce the place : so that the fort, above nine 
thousand strong, was considered unassailable with any 
iiope of success. Hence, after all these preparations, 
the expedition was abandoned. 

Monicalm, taking advantage of the absence of the 
troops at Halifax, resolved on attempting the capture of 
Fort William Henry. This fort was garrisoned with 
three thousand. Montcalm collected a force of about 
nine thousand, and laid siege to the fort. In six days, 
it was surrendered. Montcalm intended to follow up 
ihis victory with an attack on Fort Edward ; but, be- 
fore he was ready, the fort v/as so strongly reinforced, 
that he considered the attempt too hazardous and gave 
up the design. 

Defeat and disgrace had hitherto marked the proceed- 
ings of the British in America; much of which is at- 
tiibutable to the imbecile councils of England ; and 
much to the incompetency of the British commanders. 
The scen^ is now about to be changed. Mr. Pitt hav- 



/ 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 131 

ing been made prime minister, vigour, system and suc- 
cess, soon took the place of weakness, disunion and 
defeat. 

1758. For the prosecution of the war this season, 
Massachusetts unanimously voted seven thousand men: 
Connecticut agreed to raise five, and New-Hampshire 
three thousand. These were all ready to take the 
field early in May. 

While the fleets of Great Britain blocked the enemy's 
ports, and thus intercepted supplies for Canada, a large 
armament was equipped ; and, under Admiral Boscaw- 
en, a formidable fleet arrived at Halifax, early in the 
spring, with twelve thousand troops under General 
Amherst. The command of the British and provincial 
forces was given to General Amherst. 

Three expeditions were planned : the first against 
Louisburg; the second against Crown Point, and the 
third against Fort Du Quesne. 

Fourteen thousand men under General Amherst, and 
a fleet of twenty ships of the line, under Admiral Bos- 
cawen, arrived before Louisburg on the second of June. 
The garrison consisted of but twenty-five hundred re- 
gulars, and six hundred militia ; and some of the works 
had gone to decay. Across the harbour's mouth, were 
five ships of the line, a fifty gun ship, and live frigates ; 
three of them sunk. 

After much difficulty in landing, on account of the 
surf, which ran high for many days, the army at length 
landed, in three different divisions, for the purpose ot 
distracting the enemy. The light house point, a situa- 
tion from which the French could be greatly annoyed, 
was taken by the gallant General Wolfe, on the tweiftli 
of June, with a detachment of two thousand. 

On the twenty-fifth the island battery was silenced. 
A bomb from the light house batter}^ having blown up 
one of the great ships, the fire of which destroyed two 
others, Boscawen sent a detachment to destroy the re- 
maining two; one of which was burnt, and the other 
brought off. 

The Briilsli now took possession of the harbour. 



152 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Several breaches were made in the works, and the Frencli 
commander despaired of being able much longer to 
sustain the siege. On the twenty-sixth of July the place 
surrendered with five thousand prisoners, one hundred 
and twenty cannon, ammunition, stores, &c. Island 
Royal, St. Johns, and their dependencies, with Cape 
Breton, feW into the hands of tlie British, 

About the same time Gjeneral Abercrombie, having 
been erroneously informed with regard to the strengtii 
of Ticonderoga, made an attack on that fort; but, af- 
^r four hours, was repulsed and compelled to order a 
retreat, with the loss of nearly two thousand men, the 
enemy sustaining little injury, being almost completely 
covered by their works. 

Abercrombie soon after agreed with Colonel Brad- 
Street to make an attempt on Fort Frontinac. Brad- 
street took the command, proceeded down the Ontario 
with three thousand men ; landed within a mile of the 
fort ; opened his batteries so near the fort that few of 
liis shot were ineffectual ; and, after two days forced 
this important fortress to surrender. There were but 
few men in the garrison, but immense quantities of pro- 
vision and military stores, sixty cannon, and sixteen 
mortars. Nine armed vessels, with upwards of a hun- 
dred cannon, fell also into the hands of the British. 

General Forbes, to whom was entrusted the command 
of the expedition against Fort Du Quesne, left Phila- 
delphia in July. He was joined by the Virginia regu- 
lars commanded by Colonel Washington, atRaystown, 
about ninety miles from Fort Du Quesne y the whole 
army amounting to eight thousand. Major Grant was 
sent out to recomioitre, with a detachment of eight hun- 
dred. 

He was taken prisoner, with seventeen other officers, 
m an engagement, in which he lost, of killed and 
wounded, three hundred of his men. 

It was not till late in November, that Forbes arrived 
before Fort Du Quesne ; but the evening before his ar- 
rival the Indians deserted the fort, and the soldiers aban- 
doned it, escaping in boats down the Ohio. Forbes 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 133 

look possession ; and, in honour of Mr. Pitt, called it 
Fort Pitt. 

The Ohio Indians, discovering the English flag, soon 
flocked to the fort, made their peace, and entered into 
treaties with General Forbes. After leaving some pro- 
vincials and having erected a block house, General 
Forbes took his departure for Philadelphia, but died, 
from long fatigue and exertion, before he reached that city. 
! 1759. The plan for this year's campaign embraced 
the total subjugation of Canada. For this purpose the 
forces were to be separated into three divisions. The 
first, to be commanded by General Wolfe, who had so 
signalized himself the preceding year, was to ascend 
the St. Lawrence and lay siege to Quebec. The com- 
mander in chiefj Amherst, who had succeeded Aber- 
crombie, was to lead tlie main army against Ticonde- 
roga and Crown Point ; thence to the St. Lawrence, to 
join General Wolfe. General Prideaux, with the third 
division, was to march against Niagara, and thence, 
descending the Ontario, proceed to the attack of Mon- 
treal ; if successful there, previous to the surrender of 
Quebec,^he was to join the main afmy. 

The army of General Amherst was first in motion ; 
yet it was the twenty-second of July before he reached 
Ticonderoga. That fortress soon surrendered, the gar- 
rison fleeing to Crown Point. After strengthening Ti- 
conderoga, he marched to Crown Point. 

Before he an*ived there, the garrison had retired to 
Isle Aux Noix, at the northern extremity of lake Cham- 
plain. Tliis place he determined to invest, and took 
pains to acquire a naval superiorit}' : but a succession 
of violent storms and the late season of the year, in- 
duced l^m to forego the undertaking. He therefore re- 
turned to Crown Point. 

General Prideaux, with his division of the armj^, ad- 
vanced against Niagara, without loss or molestation^ 
About the middle of July, he invested the fort, with 
I great vigour on all sides. On the twentieth, he was 
':< killed by the bursting of a cohorn. 

The command devolved on Sir William Johnson ; 



134 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

who prosecuted the siege with ardour and alacrity. 
Large reinforcements of Canadians and Indians hav- 
ing come to the assistance of the garrison, the French 
determined to give Johnson battle. 

The battle began about nine o'clock ; and in less 
than an hour the French and Indians were completely 
routed. This decided the fate of the fort, which sur- 
rendered the next day. The prisoners, six hundred, 
were sent to New-York ; the women and children were 
allowed to be carried to Montreal. 

But the reduction of these forts, advantageous as they 
were, bore little weight in crushing Canada, so long as 
Quebec remained unconquered. Admiral Saunders-, 
as soon as the ice permitted, sailed up the St. Law- 
rence to Quebec, with an army of eight thousand men, 
under Wolfe. 

A landing was effected, in June, on the island of Or- 
leans a little below Quebec. He took possession of 
Point Levi, whence his heavy batteries much injured 
the town, but did no injury to the fortification. Wolfe 
then determined to cross the Montmorency, and attack 
the French commander,Montcalm, in his entrenchments^ 

An attack wa& made j but, on account of disobedi- 
ence to his orders, he was obliged to retreat, repass the 
river, and return to the island of Orleans. An attempt 
was made to destroy the French fleet. This proved 
abortive, on account of their secure situation. 

It was then determined to make good, if possible, a 
landing above the town.. The troops, for this purpose, 
embarked on board the vessels. Part were landed at 
Point Levi ; and; a part carried up the river. The 
part of tile city which faced the country was but slightly 
ibrtified. 

Montcalm was afraid to quit his situation, because 
the English troops, having the command of the river, 
might seize the ground where he was then encamped/ 
before ha could return, should he go to oppose their 
landing. 

The British troops, to a considerable amount, for the 
purpose of deception, ascended seven or eight miles 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 1S5 

above where it was intended to land. Under cover of 
the night, the boats fell silently down with the tide, un- 
discovered by the sentinels; the ships arriving in season 
to protect them, if necessary. 

There was but one path up the precipice, and that 
narrow and cragged. By the assistance of branches of 
trees and craggy projections of which they could lay 
hold, at day light, on the thirteenth of September, the 
troops had all ascended^ and formed in good order on 
the heights of Abraham. 

Montcalm was immediately convinced that he could 
not avoid a battle ; and he accordingly prepared him- 
self for one. He crossed from the Beauport side, with 
his whole force, to meet his antagonist. Fifteen hundred 
Indians he stationed among the bushes. His regulars 
formed his left ; the troops of the colony and two regu- 
lar battalions formed his right. The rest of the Cana- 
dians and Indians he stretched on his right, in order to 
outflank the left wing of the English army. 

General Monkton commanded the right v/ing of the 
English ; General Murray the left. The Louisburg 
grenadiers covered the right flank; the hght infantry of 
Howe, covered the rear and left. 

The battle commenced. Inattentive to the irregular 
fire of the Indians, Wolfe ordered his troops to reserve 
themselves for the main body. The French advanced 
and began the action with the main troops. The Eng- 
lish did not fire till witliin forty yards; and the execu- 
tion was immense. 

Wolfe, leading his men, was wounded in the wrist ; 
round which he wrapped his handkerchief. Soon after, 
he received a shot in the groin, of which betook no no- 
tice. He next received a ball in the breast, and suffer- 
ed, himself, with reluctance, to be borne to the rear. 

Monkton then took the command. He immediately 

jvas mortally wounded ; and the command fell upon 

i^ownshend. About the same time, Montcalm was mor- 

Xally wounded ; and his second in command, Senezer- 

g«s, fell also. 

The centre of the French army began to give way^ 



135 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Tke broad swords of the Highlanders completed the 
confusion. The French fled to the city or over the St. 
Charles. The victory was complete. A thousand 
prisoners were taken j and a thousand killed in the bat- 
tle and pursuit. The remainder retired to Point au 
Tremble. The killed and wounded of the English 
were less than six hundred. 

Wolfe lived long enough to die with contentment. 
The cry of " they run," was heard. He eagerly in- 
quired " who run .^" The last agonies of the immor- 
tal hero were sweetened with the response of, " The 
French run." — " Then," said he, " I die contented :" 
and he immediately respired his last. 

Montcalm, less fortunate, but not less brave, expired 
with equal heroism. Informed that his wound was mor- 
tal, he expressed his satisfaction. When told he could 
live but a few hours : '' So much the better," said he, 
'' I shall not liv^e to see the surrender of Quebec." 

Five days after, the city capitulated ; the inhabitants 
to enjoy their civil and religious rights, and remain- 
neutral during the war. The city was garrisoned, un- 
der the command of Murray ; and the fleet sailed. 

An attempt was made by Monsieur Levi, to retake 
Quebec in the winter ; but it failed. In the SpHng of 
1760, Monsieur Levi made another attempt, with six 
frigates and a large army. General Murray had more 
strongly fortified the city, during the winter, than it was 
before : but as many of his troops were diseased with 
the scurvy, as the inhabitants were unfriendly to him, 
and many hardships must be endured from a siege ; h^ 
resolved to give the enemy battle. 

On the twenty-eighth of April, he marched out against 
Levi, with all his ciieetive men, amounting to only three 
thousand. After an engagement of an hour and three 
quarters he was forced to retreat, with the loss of a 
thousand men: the French having lost more tlian double 
that number. 

Levi pursued his purpose of compelling the city to 
surrender before the arrival of an English fleet ; nor 
with less activity did Murray prepaie for defence. About 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 1S7 

\he middle of May a fleet arrived, which immediately 
took, destroyed, or dispersed the French fleet. Another 
English fleet arriving soon after the siege was raised. 

The principal object Avas now the reduction of Mon- 
treal. For this purpose General Amherst, having col- 
lected a large army, proceeded down lake Ontario to 
that place ; and on the same day General Murray ar- 
rived by water, with all the forces he could command, 
excepting a sufficiency to garrison Quebec. Montreal 
was in no situation to resist. 

A capitulation took place ; and soon after all Canada 
was surrendered to Great Britain ; the troops to be 
transported to France, and the Canadians to enjoy their 
religious and civil rights. 

Thus ended a long, expensive, and bloody contest, 
in which it was for a great while doubtful, whether what 
are now the United States should continue the colbnies 
of Great Britain, or become subject to France. Great 
indeed was the diffusion of joy in Great Britain, from 
the pride of supposed superiority, and the presumed 
advantages of her conquest ; but far greater was that of 
the colonies, who expected now a release from the cu- 
lamities of war and from the massacres of the Indians. 

The Cherokees, however, carried on, for two years, 
a war with Georgia and South-Carolina, which finally 
ended in their defeat by Colonel Grant, in 17G1 ; when 
a treaty of peace was made. 

Peace between France and England took place in 
1762 ; the definitive articles of the treaty were signed 
the next year. 



CHAPTER VI. 

The Revolution. 

Commencement of the causes which led to the Revolution — Colonial 
Congress — Opposition to the stamp act — Its repeal — Imposition of 
new dutiss by parliament — Opposition of the colonies — Repeal of 
the duties, excepting on tea — Affray of March 5th, 1770 — Destrtic- 
tion of tea in Boston — Boston port bill — Meeting of Congress — En- 
gagements at Lexington and Concord — Surrender of Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point — Battle of Bunker hill— Washington appointed 
commander in chief — He arrives at Cambridge — Surrender effort 
St. Johns, and Montreal — ^Unsuccessful attack of Quebec — ^Death of 
Montgomery — Burning of Norfolk, by lord Danmore — Boston evacu- 
ated — Declaration of Independence— Engagement on Long-IsIa.nd 
. — Retreat from the Island — Forts Washington and Lee surrendered 
to the British — General despondency — Capture of the Hessians at 
Trenton — Battle of Brandy wine- -Howe enters Philadelphia— Battle 
of German town — Battle of Bennington — Surrender of the British 
army under Burgoyne — ^Treaty of Alliance with France — Battle of 
Monmouth — Savannah surrendered to the British — Ineffectual at- 
tempt to recover Savannah — Stoney Point taken by Wayne — Penob- 
scot expedition — Defeat of the Five Nations — Surrender of Charles- 
ton to Clinton — Battle of Camden — and of King's Mountain — Trea- 
son, of Arnold — Fate of Andre — Predatoi-y warfare of Arnold iu 
Virgiiua — Battle of Cowpens — Battle of Guilford — Battle of Eutaw 
Springs — Surrender of the British array under Cornwallis — New- 
London burnt by Arnold — Naval engagement in the West Indies — 
Commissioners appointed to negotiate a peace — Peace concluded— 
Army disbanded — Washington's resignation. 

IN the year 1764, the parliament of England passed 
an act, the preamble to which begins thus : "Whereas 
it is just and necessary, that a revenue be raised in 
America, for defraying the expenses of defending, pro- 
tecting and securing the same, &z;c." The act then pro- 
ceeds to lay a duty on clayed sugar, indigo, coffee, silk, 
molasses, calicoes, ^c. being the produce of a colony 
not under the dominion of his majesty. To this the 
colonists submitted j though not without complaint and 
remonstrance. 



THE HE VOLUTION. ISO 

Instead of a repeal of the act, parliament, the next 
year, imposed a duty on stamps. Resolutions vver# 
passed by the popular branches of most of the colonial 
legislatures, against this duty. Massaclnisetts recom- 
mended a colonial congress, to consult for the general 
welfare. A congress from most of the colonies, con- 
sisting of twenty-eight members met at New- York; re- 
monstrated against the act of parliament ; petitioned 
for its repeal ; and made a declaration of the rights of 
the colonies ; declaring that taxation and representation 
were inseparable ; and that parliament had no right to 
take their money without their consent. 

The stamp act was to begin its operation on the first 
of November. On this day, in most of the colonies, 
the strongest opposition was made to the collection of 
the duty. Mobs, in many of the cities, attacked the 
property and persons of the collectors, of the distribu- 
tors of stamps, and other obnoxious persons. The co- 
lours of vessels in port were hoisted at half-mast high, 
belis were tolled, the effigies of offensive characters were 
hanged, and other expressions of resistance were exhi- 
bited throughout all the colonies. 

In some places the constituted distributors of stamps 
were compelled to resign, to save themselves from the 
vengeance of the people. Tlie stamps were refused a 
landing in some ports, and delivered up to the people 
in others. Business was conducted without stamped 
paper ; and the validity of obligations was established 
by the courts. Meanwhile the colonists entered into 
associations, not to import British goods, till the stamp 
act should be repealed. 

When information of the almost universal opposition 
of the Americans to the stamp act, reached the ears of 
parliament, a considerable agitation arose. Mr. Pitt 
said, " You have no right to tax America. I rejoice 
that America has resisted. Three millions of our fel- 
low-subjects so lost to every sense of .virtue, as tamely 
to give up their liberties, would be fit instruments to 
make slaves of the rest." 

Parliament had only the alternative j to compel the 



140 HISTORY OF THE UMTED STATES. 

Americans to submit to the act, or to repeal it. After 
much debate and contention, the act was repealed : but 
the repealing act had this sweeping sentence. *' That 
the parliament had, and of right ought to have, power 
to bind the colonies in all cases ivhatsoever :" thus as- 
serting a right over persons, property, and every thing 
connected with civil and religious liberty, and human 
happiness. 

The Americans, however, considered this as merely a 
salvo for the honour of parliament ; and did not sup- 
pose they would ever again tax the colonies. Hence 
the repeal gave the greatest satisfaction ; commercial 
intercourse was renewed, and importations from Great 
Britain were larger than ever. 

1767. The chancellor of the exchequer brought in- 
to parliament a bill for imposing a duty to be collected 
in the colonies, on glass, paper, painter's colours and 
tea. The bill soon passed both houses 5 and was the 
next year sent to the colonies. A bill was passed also 
for establishing at Boston a board of commissioners, to 
manage the revenue arising from the duties. An act 
was also passed to compel the colonies to provide iTor 
British troops, and support them at their own expense. 

These various acts of parliament resuscitated the 
flames of resentment and opposition, which had been 
almost extinguished^ Resolves, remonstrances, peti- 
tions and addresses, were the order of the day. Ano- 
ther association was formed, for discontinuing the im- 
portation of British manufactures. Massachusetts sent 
a circular address to the sister colonies, which was uni- 
versally approved by them ; they in most instances 
adopting a similar mode for obtaining redress of their 
grievances. The British ministry were'hi^hly offend- 
ed, more particularly against Massachusetts ; and sent 
word to the governor to call on the assembly to rescind 
their proceedings. The assembly refused, ninety-two 
to seventeen 5 and were, the next day, dissolved by the 
governor. ^ - 

At the instigation of the British custom house officers, 
two regiments from Halifax were landed in Boston, ^ 



THE REVOLUTION. 141 

whose presence, but more, whose outrages, greatly ir- 
ritated the inhabitants. 

1769. The proceedings of Massachusetts highly ex- 
asperated parliament. Both houses addressed the king, 
begging him to give orders to the governor of Massa- 
chusetts to take notice of all treasons and misprisons of 
treasons, and transmit the names of all who were active 
in the commission of offences, to one of the secretaries of 
state, that they might be arrested and brought to Eng- 
land for trial. The right claimed by parliament, to 
bring offenders to England for trial, excited high and 
universal indignation. 

On the receipt of the resolves of parliament, the house 
of burgesses in Virginia passed some spirited resolutions; 
denying the right of taxing the colonists, or the right of 
removing an offender from one of the colonies to Eng- 
land for trial. The governor immediately dissolved 
the assembly. The assembly of North Carolina fol- 
lowed the example of Virginia : for which they were 
dissolved by their governor. 

1770. The non-importation resolutions had no in- 
considerable effect on the manufactures of Great Britain. 
They petitioned parliament for a repeal of the act lay- 
ing duties. The firm and persevering opposition of 
the Americans had assumed a threatening aspect. Par- 
liament repealed five sixths of the duties, leaving only 
a duty of threepence per pound on tea, still asserting 
her right, to " bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever ;" 
and the tax on tea contained the principle, by which no 
limitation would be put to taxation, except the possess- 
or's all. 

On the fifth of^ March, while some of the British 
troops in Boston were under arms, they were insulted 
and pelted by a mob having clubs, snow balls, stones, 
&;c. The soldiers were dared to fire. One, who had 
received a blow fired. Six others discharged their pie- 
ces ; by wiiich three of the citizens were killed, and five 
wounded. The town was immediately in an uproar ; 
and notliing but an engagement to remove the troops, 



142 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

saved them from falling a sacrifice to the indignation of 
the people. 

The captain, Preston, who commanded, and eight 
soldiers, were tried, and acquitted ; two soldiers except- 
ed, who were brought in guilty of manslaughter. This 
aflray was represented in its worst light, and had no 
small influence in increasing the general indignation 
against the British, 

1773. No tea of consequence having been imported 
into the colonies, parliament enjoyed her supposed right, 
without benefit ; and the Americans denied it, without 
injury. Affairs therefore remained in the same state, 
till the East India Company, who had on hand about 
seventeen million pounds of tea, were allowed by par- 
liament to export their tea into any part of the world, 
free of duty : hence to the colonists, tea, though with a 
duty of threepence, would be cheaper than before. 

The colonists were again up in arms. The corres- 
ponding committees, which had been forming through- 
out the colonies for the last two years, excited resist- 
ance, declaring such as directly or indirectly aided in 
these vialations of libert}?^, enemies to their country. The 
consequence was, that the cargoes of tea, sent to New- 
York and Philadelphia, were sent back : those sent to 
Charleston, (S. C.) were stored, but not offered for sale. 

The tea snips intended for the suppl}^ of Boston, after 
the inhabitants had tried in vain to have them returned, 
they being consigned to the relations of Governor 
-Hutchinson, were entered by about seventeen persons, 
dressed in the disguise of Indians ; and three hundred 
and forty-two chests of tea were thrown into the dock; 
no other damage being done. 

1 774. Parliament, receiving information of the treat- 
ment of the East India Company with respect to their 
tea, were much exasperated. Though the opposition 
was general, the province of Massachusetts, and espe- 
cially the town of Boston, were considered the foment- 
ers of disobedience to their authority. 

Boston was therefore selected as the mark, against 
which to direct their vengeance. Hence a bill was pass- 



THE REVOLUTION. 143 

«d, by which the port of Boston was precluded from 
the privilege of landing and discharging, or of lading 
and shipping, wares and merchandise. 

Another bill was also passed, essentially altering the 
charter of the province, making the appointment of the 
council, justices, judges, sherifl's, he. dependent on the 
crown, or its immediate agent. Another act directed 
the governor to send to another colony, or to Great 
Britain for trial, any person indicted for murder or any 
other capital offence. 

When these acts arrived in America, they were cir- 
culated with rapidity throughout the continent. But 
one sentiment of indignation and opposition governed 
the people ; a few exceptions only to be made. The 
town of Boston recommended a universal association 
to slop importations. 

^ The house of burgesses in Virginia, which colony had 
ever been forward in seconding the spirit and measures 
of Massachusetts, ordered that the day on which the 
Boston port bill was to go into operation should be kept 
as a day of fasting and prayer. Pamphlets, newspaper 
discussions, addresses and essays, were multiplied with- 
out number, proving the wickedness of the acts of par- 
liament, and urging a union of the colonies for resistance. 

Massachusetts recommended a general convention of 
delegates from all the colonies, the assembly electing 
five for that purpose. On the fourth of September, the 
deputies of eleven colonies appeared at Philadelphia, 
organized themselves by choosing Peyton Randolph, 
President, and CharlesThompson, Secretary, and agreed 
to vote by states. A non-importation, and non-con- 
sumption agreement was made ; an address to the king, 
a memorial to the inhabitants of British America, and 
an address to the people of Great Britain, were also 
made. After a few weeks they dissolved ; recommend- 
ing the tenth of the succeeding May, if their grievances 
should remain unredressed, for another session of Con- 
gress. 

October 5. General Gage, the governor of Massa- 
chusetts, as well as commander in chief of all the royal 



144 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

forces in North America, issued writs for holding a 
general assembly in Salem. He afterwards counter- 
manded the writs. 

Ninety members met ; formed themselves into a pro- 
vincial congress, adjourned to Concord, and chose John 
Hancock their President. They afterwards adjourned 
to Cambridge, and drew up a plan for placing the pro- 
vince in a posture of defence, by enlisting men, choos- 
ing general officers, Sic. 

1775. January. The Earl of Chatham brought for- 
ward a conciliatory bill in the house of Peers, which 
was rejected, two to one. Lord North, the prime mi- 
nister, introduced a bill, which was carried, for restrain- 
ing the trade of the New-England States. Receiving 
information of the general opposition in the southern 
colonies, he introduced another bill, equally restraining 
their trade, excepting North Carolina, Delaware and 
New- York. No expected disunion, however, was pro- 
duced by these exceptions. 

The time had now come for testing the nerves of the 
colonists. Some military stores having been deposited 
at Concord, about eighteen miles from Boston, General 
Gage was anxious to obtain them ; and, if possible, 
v/ithout bloodshed. On the evening of the 18th of 
April, eight hundred grenadiers and light infantry 
were despatched by Gage, to secure the stores. After 
crossing Charles river, they began their march about 
twelve o'clock. 

Intelligence of their intentions had previously reach- 
ed the country ; and the alarm was given by the ring- 
ing of bells, by signal guns and vollies. Arriving at 
Lexington, where about seventy of the militia appear- 
ed under arms^ Major Pitcairn, who commanded, or- 
dered them to disperse. Not immediately obeying he 
discharged his pistol, and ordered his soldiers to fire. 
Eight Americans were killed, and several wounded. 
The fire was returned by the retreating militia. 

When the detachment arrived at Concord, a pai't of 
them proceeded to destroy the stores, and a part went 



THE REVOLUTION. 145 

to the north bridge ; where the militia, headed by Ma- 
jor Buttrick, were drawn up on the western side. 

Ignorant of what had transpired at Lexington, the 
militia were ordered not to give the first fire. The Bri- 
tish fired, and killed a captain and a private. The fire 
was returned ; and the British retreated with some loss. 
They were pursued to Lexington ; the Americans firing 
on them from behind stone walls and ottier coverts. 

Here Lord Perc}', fortunately for them, arrived with 
a reinforcement of nine hundred. Still pursued by the 
Americans, about sunset they arrived at Bunker's Hill, 
in Charlestown, and the next morning went to Boston. 
Two hundred and seventy-three of the British were 
killed, wounded and taken prisoners. Of the Ameri- 
cans, eighty-eight were killed, wounded and missing. 

An army of twenty thousand men immediately sur- 
rounded Boston ; as the sword only could now decide 
the contest. The king's troops were blocked »tp. 

Ticonderoga and Crown Point were important pla- 
ces to be secured. Colonel Ethan Allen and Colonel 
Benedict Arnold, (Ma\^ 10,) attacked Ticonderoga by^ 
surprise, at the dawn of day, the garrison being asleep. 
A skirmish ensued. The fort was detnanded. " By 
wl^-ose authority ?" said the commander. Allen re- 
plied : " I demand it in the name of the great Jehovah, 
and of the Continental Congress." The surrender was 
immediate. A small party under Colonel Seth Warner, 
soon after took Crown Point without difficulty. 

May 5. The provincial congress of Massachusetts 
renounced obedience to Governor Gage. Soon after 
Generals Howe, Burgoyne, and Clinton, arrived at 
Boston with more troops. Pardon was offered to all 
the repentant, save Samuel Adams ancj John Hancock. 
The offered pardon strengthened opposition. 

On the evening of June 16th, a detachment of one 
thousand Americans were ordered to uiake an en- 
trenchment on Bunker's Hill, about a mile frtv.n Boston, 
A mistake having somehov. been ma<?e, Breed's Hill, a 
high eminence in Ch•J^rle^town, muih nearer Boston, 
was chosen for the purpose. By the davva of the next 

Q 



146 HISTORY OF THE UxNITED STATES. 

morning-, a redoubt was thrown up about eight rod^ 
square. A cannonade at Boston gave the alarm. 

British troops soon . landed. The Americans were 
reinforced. The regulars were led on by Generals 
Howe and Pigot. The attack commenced with a 
heavy discharge of field pieces, the troops halting to 
see the effect. 

Meantime orders were given to set fire to the town of 
Charlestown; which was soon in a blaze. The pro- 
vincials reserved their fire till the regulars had ap- 
proached to within a hundred yards of the works; 
when, most of them being excellent marksmen, the 
havoc was very great, especially among the British 
officers. They retired ; again advanced and were 
again driven back in confusion. The regulars once 
more reluctantly rallied. The powder of the provin- 
cials began to fail. Some cannon of the British raked 
the inside of the breast work from end to end. 

The ships and field pieces doubled their fire. The 
redoubt, attacked at once on three sides, was carried at 
the point of the bayonet. Resistance was made to the 
last, with the butts of the discharged guns. The breast 
wot'k was then necessarily abandoned, but not till great 
execution -was done by a well directed fire, resei^ed till 
the near approach of the enemy. The Americans then 
retreated over Charlestown neck. 

Out of three thousand, General Gage acknowledged 
a loss of one thousand and fifty-four. The provincials 
lost, of killed, one hundred and thirty-nine ; of wound- 
ed and missing, three hundred and fourteen. The 
historian and the eulogist have delighted to dwell on the 
character of Major General Joseph Warren ; whose 
death was very greatl}' lan»ented throughout America. 

Congress met at Philadelphia May lOdi, and on the 
15th of June unanimously elected George Washington, 
then a member from Virginia, commander in chief of 
all the forces raised, or to be raised, for the defence of 
the colonies. On the 2(3 of July he arrived at Cam- 
bridge. He reconnoitered the enem}', and examined 
the strength and situation of the American army. The 



THE REVOLUTIOxY. 14? 

British occupied Bunker's and Breed's Hills in Charles- 
town, and the isthmus leading from Boston to Roxbury. 

Tlie American army were stretched a distance of 
twelve miles, from Roxbury to Cambridge, thence, 
over the upper part of Charlestown, to Mystic river. 
Great was the labour of Washington to introduce dis- 
cipline and uniformity, in his army ; and by persever- 
ance, with the assistance of General Gates, and others 
acquainted with tjie regulations of an army, order 
rose from confusion ; subordination succeeded to insub- 
serviency ; and in a short time, the army, composed 
mostly of men who had never seen a battle or a camp, 
was put into a respectable state of discipline. 

Fearful of an invasion from Canada, offensive ope- 
rations were resolved on against that province. Gene- 
rals Schuyler and Montgomery had the charge of mili- 
tary concerns in the northern department. It was in- 
tended that a force under their command should invade 
Canada by the lakes ; at the same time Arnold, with 
a thousand men, was to ascend the Kenebec, to march 
thence through the wilderness, and attack Quebec. 

Schuyler was taken sick at Albany, and the com- 
mand devolved on Montgomery. His first object was 
Fort St. John's. General Carlton, the Governor of 
Canada, was marching to the relief of St. John's, with 
eight hundred men, when he was suddenly^ttacked by 
three hundred Green Mountain Boys, so called, under 
Colonel Warner, and wholly defeated ; in consequence 
of which the garrison of St. John's surrendered. 

The prisoners amounted to seven hundred. Colonel 
Allen, encouraged by his former success, left St. John's, 
with a small party, for the purpose of attacking Mon- 
treal. Here he was defeated, made prisoner, loaded 
with irons, and thus sent to England. Montreal soon 
after surrendered to Montgomery; a hundred and 
twenty were made prisoners, and eleven sail of vessels 
fell into the hands of the provincials. He soon after 
arrived at Quebec. 

' Arnold arrived at Point Levi, opposite Quebec, on 
the ninth of November. The want of boats to cross the 



148 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

St. Lawrence immediately, enabled the Canadians to 
prepare for defence. At length he crossed, and ascended 
the precipice where Wolfe had before ascended. The 
siege was continued a month without success. 

They then determined to try their utmost by an es- 
calade. Two attacks were made at once, in different 
places, by Montgomery and Arnold. A chance cannoii 
shot killed Montgomery, while heading his men to force 
a barrier, and with him fell Captain M'Pherson and 
Captain Cheesman. His division retreated. 

Arnold was partially successful, though he was him- 
self wounded. The darkness of the night, and igno- 
rance of the town, suspended operations till the next 
morning ; when Captain Morgan, then commanding, 
after a bloody engagement of three hours, was driven 
from the walls. 

An ordnance brig, containing a vast quantity of am- 
munition, small arms, several pieces of brass cannon, 
Uc. was captured by Captain Manly of Marblehead, in 
November ; and a few days after, three ships from Lon- 
don, Glasgow and Liverpool, containing stores ; the 
ships and the brig all intended for the British. The 
capture of these vessels was of vast advantage to the 
American army, which was in great need of such supplies. 

A contest arose between Lord Dunmore, governor 
of Virginia, and the assembly and people, which ended 
in his retiring from office. After which he proclaimed 
liberty to the slaves ; was defeated in a skirmish, and 
retired, with his people, on board the shipping at Norfolk, 

The people refusing him necessaries from the shore, 
he reduced the tov*^n to ashes. Norfolk, at tins time, 
contained about six thousand inhabitants. The royal 
governors of North and South Carolina were, like Lord 
Dunmore, obliged to seek safety on board men of war. 

1776. The night of the fourth of March was fixed 
on by General VVashington, for taking possession of 
Dorchester heights, which commanded the harbour and 
British shipping. To deceive the enemy, Washington, 
for three days, had been playing on the town of Boston, 
with a heavy service of cannon and mortars, at Cam- 



THE REVOLUTION, 149 

bridge. A working party of twelve hundred, escorted 
by a covering party of eight hundred, took possession 
of the heights unobserved by the British. 

By the morning, the works were so far advanced, as 
to be a cover from the shot of the enemy. The British 
were astonished. It was determined by them, in a 
council of war, to evacuate the town. Another work 
having been erected, in the night of the sixteenth, com- 
manding tlie isthmus and south part of Boston, the 
British troops precipitately evacuated the town : and 
General Washington marched into it in triumph. The 
British sailed to Halifax. 

In defiance of the severity of a Canadian winter, 
Arnold continued on the heights of Abraham till IVJay, 
when he was obliged to retreat, Quebec43eing reinforced 
by the arrival of several ships from England ; and be- 
fore the close of June, Canada was altogether evacu- 
ated by the Americans. 

An attempt was made, in June and July, with three 
thousand British troops, under the command of General 
Clinton and Sir Peter Parker, to destroy the fort on 
Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, (S. C.) The fort 
was defended by Colonel Moultrie, with about four 
hundred men. After an action of ten hours, the British 
were forced to retire, with a loss of about two hundred. 
Ten Americans were killed, and twenty wounded. 

Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, made a motion in 
Congress, (June 7,) for declaring the colonies free and 
independent. After much debate, on the FOURTH 
OF JULY, the thirteen colonies were declared FREE 
AND INDEPENDENT, under the title of THE 
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

Soon after the evacuation of Boston by the British 
troops, Washington made his head quarters at the city 
of New-York, with the principal part of his army. 
British troops, to the amount of twent^^-four thousand, 
under Admiral Lord Howe, and his brother, Sir Wil- 
liam, landed, (August 22) on Long Island, near the 
Narrows, about nine miles from the city. 

The American forces at this time, amounted to a little 



150 HISTORY OF tHE UNItEt) STATES. 

upwards of seventeen thousand, and those, principally, 
law troops. Previously to hostilities, Lord and Sir 
William Howe iofornied Washington that they were 
commissioned to adjust all differences between the colo- 
nies and England. It appearing that they held merely 
the power of pardoning, Washington informed them 
that those who had committed no fault, needed no pardon. 

A large body of the Americans encamped on Long 
Island near Brooklyn. In the evening of the twenty- 
sixth of August, the British marched towards the Ame- 
ricans, under Clinton, Percy, and Cornwallis. Lord 
Stirling commanded the Americans. At nine the next 
morning, the battle commenced. 

After much changing of ground, and a variety of 
skirmishes, the Americans were obliged to retreat with 
.considerable loss ; they losing upwards of a thousand ; 
and the British and Hessians four hundred and fifty. 
Among the prisoners taken by the British, were Lord 
Stirling and General Sullivan. 

General Washington arrived from New-York with 
reinforcements in time to witness the retreat. Ramsay 
says : " After General Washington had collected his 
principal force there, it was his wish and hope, that Sir 
William Howe would attempt to storm his works on the 
island. These, though insufficient to stand a regular 
siege, were strong enough to resist a coup de main. 
The remembrance of Bunker's hill, and a desire to 
spare his men, restrained the British general from 
making the assault." 

An English historian, Wood, observes : " The Bri- 
tish gained a complete victory with inconsiderable loss; 
and if Howe had given way to the ardent wishes of his 
troops, to be led on to the attack of the American lines, 
very little doubt can be entertained of their success ; 
but he chose rather to, attack them iq form ; and thus 
sacrificed to etiquette the favourable crisis of putting 
an end to the war by a single blow." 

Thus differently stated are the wishes of the opposite 
commanders. 

No advantageous issue .appearing probable from con- 



THE REVOLUTIOxX. 101 

tinning on the island, Washington crossed East river 
with nine thousand men, his artillery, tents, baggage, 
he. He was thirteen hours in crossing, yet unobserved 
by the British, though not half a mile distant. Lord 
Howe again made pacilTc proposals, which were re- 
jected by Congress. 

The American arm}^ was soon so reduced in numbers, 
that it was thought advisable to evacuate the city of 
New-York, and afterwards the island, except Fort 
Washington ; and act only on the defensive. The 
British entered the city on the twelfth of October. Fort 
Washington was attacked, (November 12,) and sur- 
rendered with twenty-seven hundred prisoners. Fort 
Lee, on the Jersey shore, opposite, was taken by the 
British ; but the garrison escaped, leaving their cannon, 
&c. Previous to this, an engagement had taken placie 
at White Plains, in which many hundreds fell 5 but 
which produced nothing decisive. 

General Washington had now but the remnant of ah 
army. He retreated before the British to Newark, 
Brunswick, Princeton and Trenton ; then crossed the 
Delaware. On the day that Washington crossed the 
Delaware, Sir Peter Parker's squadron took possession 
of Rhode-Island, and blocked up the squadron of Com- 
modore Hopkins and several privateers, at Providence. 
It was now an hour of universal despondency and 
apprehension. Washington's army was reduced to less 
than two thousand ; and those in a miserable condition. 
The commander in chief, however, *' never despaired 
of the commonwealth." Expecting the British would 
soon have possession of Philadelphia, Congress removed 
to Baltimore, gave almost unlimited powers to Wash- 
ington ; called upon the states to furnish men, and made 
the greatest exertions to dispel the gloom that hung 
over the country, and to rouse it to retrieve its losses. 

The exertions of Congress were not unsuccessful. 
Fifteen hundred of the Pennsylvania militia soon joined 
the army. 

On the night of the twenty-fifth of December, Gene- 
ral Washington crossed the Delaware, and surprised 



i52 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and took above one thousand Hessians. A few days 
after, his prisoners being secured on the Pennsylvania 
side of the Delaware, by a circuitous rout, he eluded 
a superior force in Trenton, marched to Princeton, 
killed sixty, and took three hundred prisoners. A great 
part of iS^ew-Jersey, which had been overrun by the 
British, was now in the possession of the rnilitia of that 
state and the little army of Washington. 

Id the spring of 1777, from the encouragement of- 
fered by Congress, of land bounties and superior wages, 
to recruits, Washington's army was above seven thou- 
sand strong. He had long been in suspense with re- 
gard to the designs of Howe. - At length it appeared 
that the taking of Philadelphia was his object; as he 
had left New-York with about sixteen thousand men, 
sailed to the capes of Virginia, ascended the Chesa- 
peake ; and, on the fourteenth of August had landed 
his men at the head of Elk river. 

The British, in their progress to Philadelphia, were 
opposed by Washington at a small creek called the 
Brandywine. An engagement ensued and the Ameri- 
cans were compelled to retreat, with the loss of twelve 
hundred men : the British losing about half that number. 

On the twenty-sixth of September, Howe made his 
triumphal entry into Philadelphia. His arm}^ were sta- 
tioned principally at Germantown, six miles from Phila- 
delphia. Congress were then at Yorktown, Washing- 
ton's army was encamped at about eighteen miles dis- 
tance from Germanlown. 

A part of Howe's army being engaged in reducing 
some forts in Delaware, Washington determined to at- 
tack those at Germantown. This took place on the 
fourth of October. A severe action was fought, in 
which the loss of the Americans was double that of the 
British. The British troops removed to Philadelphia, 
where, with Howe, the}' long remained inactive : which ' 
induced Dr. Franlilin to say ; not that Howe had takea 
Philadelphia; but that Philadelphia had taken Howe. 

By a free intercourse between Canada and New- 
York, the British expected to cut off all communication 



THE REVOLUTIOxN. 153 

between New-England and the more southern states. 
For this purpose General Burgoyne left Canada with 
seven thousand men, besides a powerful train of artille- 
ry and several tribes of Indians. 

He arrived at Crown Point in June. Ticonderoga 
was garrisoned by above three thousand men : but after 
a siege of several days. General St. Clair, finding he 
could not maintain his post, retreated with so much se- 
crecy as to save a great part of his stores. 

Burgoyne, learning that there were large stores of 
provisions at Bennington, guarded only by a few mili- 
tia, sent Colonel Baum, vAth five hundred men and one 
hundred Indians, to bring them away. When Baum 
arrived, he found the militia too strong for him ; and 
sent to Burgoyne for a reinforcement. Before the re- 
inforcement arrived, General Stark, with eight hundred 
Green Mountain Boys, without artillery or bayonets^ 
attacked and routed Baum, killed and took prisoners 
the greater part of the detachment. The detachment 
sent to reinforce, arrived ; was attacked and compelled 
to retreat, without their artillery. The loss of the Bri- 
tish was about seven hundred, that of the Americans 
about one hundred, 

Burgoyne Vv^as now obliged to send to Fort George 
for provisions, or proceed without, at tlie risk of starv- 
ing. The former plan was adopted. General Gates 
commanded die nordiern army, and was encamped near 
Stillwater. Burgoyne crossed die Hudson, and en- 
camped a few miles from him at Saratoga. 

An engagement of four hours took place, (Sept. 19,) 
which was indecisive ; but in which the British lost 
double the number of the Americans. A second en- 
gagement took place near Stillwater, (October 7,) 
greatly to the advantage of the Americans, who killed 
and made prisoners of several hundred, and took nine 
pieces of brass artillery. 

,^ The American army was daily increasing. Burgoyne. 
endeavoured several times to make good a retreat to 
Fort Edward ; but was repulsed. At length, no avenue 
for escape appearing, and being hemmed in, almost oa 

G2 



154 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

all sides, by an army much superior to his own, he 
called a council of war, in which it was unanimously 
agreed to enter into a convention with Gates. 

The royal army surrendered ; (October 17.) con- 
sisting of above iift3^-seven hundred ; making his whole 
loss since the sixth of July, upwards of nine thousand 
two hundred. i 

By the loss of such an army, the British ministry 
were greatly dejected ; while the spirits of the Americans 
were raised to the highest pitch. The capture of Bur- 
goyne's arm}^ laid the foundation for the acknowledg- 
ment of American Independence abroad, and for ac- 
quiring the aid of foreign nations. 

1778. A treaty of commerce and alliance was made 
between Loui^ the Sixteenth and the commissioners of 
the United States, on the sixth of February ; neither of 
the contracting powers to make truce or peace without 
the formal consent of the other. 

Hearing of the alliance between France and the Unit- 
ed States, the British array determined to evacuate 
Philadelphia, and march through New-Jersey to New- 
York. When the British army had arrived at Mon- 
mouth, (New-Jersey,) on its way to New-York, its rear 
was attacked by General Washington, and a severe en- 
gagement took place, much to the advantage of the 
Americans. 

Night ended the battle; which Washington intended 
to renew the next day ; but Clinton had begun his re- 
treat at midnight towards Sandy Hook. The Americaa 
army took post at White Plains, near King's bridge, 
where they remained till late in the autumn : they then 
retired to Valley Forge in New-Jersey. 

Count iD'Estaing, having sailed from France with 
twelve ships of the line and six frigates, arrived off 
Newport, the first of July, to act in concert with the 
Americans in an attempt on Rhode-Island. Lord Howe 
arriving with his fleet from New-York, instead of co- 
operating with the Americans, D'Estaing went out to 
give him battle. A storm separating the fleet, D'Es- 
,taing sailed for Boston to repair his vessels. Some 



THE REVOLUTION. 1j:> 

skirmishing took place between the Americans and Bri- 
tish, but nothing decisive was the consequence. The siege 
of Newport was raised, and the Americans retired. 

Sir Henry Clinton, in November, sent a squadron, 
with about two thousand men, to Georgia. Savannah, 
the capital of that state, after an engagement, in which 
the British were victorious, with the fort, shipping, pro- 
visions, cannon and stores, fell into the possession of the 
conquerors. 

1779. General Lincoln was appointed by Congress 
to the command of all the southern forces. Various 
skirmishes with various success took place, between him 
and the British, on the river Savannah, during the 
spring and early part of the summer. Prevost, who 
commanded the British, marched to Charlestown and 
demanded a surrender of the town: but the nearness of 
the army of Lincoln frustrated the wishes of the British 
commander. 

Sir Henry Clinton, in May, sent to Virginia a land 
and naval force, whose predatory excursions in the vi- 
cinity of Norfolk were considerable^ A similar force 
Avas sent to the seaboard of Connecticut. New-Haven 
was plundered ; East-Haven, Fairfield, Norwalk and 
Green's farms, were wantonly burnt. 

Count D'Estaing, after repairing his fleet at Boston, 
sailed to the West Indies. At the solicitation of General 
Lincoln he appeared before Savannah, the first of Sep- 
tember ; General Lincoln's army and some militia of 
South Carolina and Georgia, intending to co-operate 
with him in its reduction. 

Before Lincoln arrived, D'Estaing demanded a sur- 
render. A day's consideration was requested, and in- 
cautiously granted. Before tlw^ time expired, a rein- 
forcement of eight hundred men arrived. Prevost, the 
commander, then bid defiance to D'Estaing. An as- 
sault was afterwards made (Oct. 9,) by D'Estaing and 
Lincoln, which proved unsuccessful ; the French losing 
above seven, and the Americans above two hundred. 
D'Estaing then left the coast. 

General Wayne, (July 2Q^) attacked and took Stoney 



JO HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATED 

Poiiitj a fortress on North river, which had been taken 
from -the Americans, and strongly fortified by the Bri- 
tish. About six hundred men surrendered. Major Lee, 
three days after, surprised, at Paulus Hook, a garrison 
of one hundred and nine, whom he made prisoners. 

June. To counteract the estabUshment of a post by 
the British at Penobscot, a considerable fleet was fitted 
out ; but scarcely had the men made a landing before 
a much larger British fleet appeared. The Americans 
lost their vessels ; and the greater part of the men were 
obliged to wander home through a pathless desert, suf- 
fering great extremities. 

August. Five of the Six Nations, though all had 
proiiiised a strict neutrality, b?.d been seduced to take 
part vvitb the British. General Sullivan was sent against 
them. He marched inio their country. The Indians 
fortified themselves on a well chosen piece of ground ; 
but, after sustaining a cannonade above two hours, they 
fled. Their villages, habitations, cornfields, &;c. 
throughout their country, were indiscriminately laid 
waste. 

1780. Sir Henry Clinton, hearing of the departure 
of D'Estaing from the coast, left the garrison at New- 
York under the command of General Kniphausen, and 
sailed for Charleston, with four flank battalions, twelve 
regimenis, a British, Hessian and provincial corps, a 
powerful train of artillery and two hundred and fifty 
cavalry. 

He opened his batteries (April 12,) against Charles- 
ton ; for the defence of which every exertion had been 
made by General Lincoln and Governor Rutledge. 
General Lincoln was summoned to surrender. He re- 
fused. A short time after, his communication with the 
country was altogether cut off. Clinton also received 
a reinforcement from New-York of three thousand men. 

The besiep;ers completed their second parallel, when 
terms of capituladon were offered by Lincoln. These 
were rejected by Clinton. Fort Moultrie surrendered 
to the ro3 al nav}' ; and the same day (May 6,) the third 
parallel was completed. At length, (May 12.) General 



THE REVOLUTION. 157 

Lincoln was compelled to surrender ; and Major Gene- 
ral Leslie, took possession of the town. Five thousand 
prisoners, including the inhabitants, and four hundred- 
pieces of artillery, were surrendered. 

Clinton, a few days after, returned to New-York^ 
leaving about four thousand men for the southern ser- 
vice, under the command of Lieutenant General Lord 
Cornwallis. Garrisons were posted in different parts 
of the state, to secure the subjection of the inhabitants. 
Colonel Sumpter, a brave and actii^e partisan, in seve- 
ral engagements with the British and lo3'alists, gained 
great advantages; in one instance reducing a regiment 
of nearly three hundred loyalists to only nine. 

Lord Rawdon had the principal command of the Bri- 
tish on the frontiers of Carolina, and concentrated his 
forces near Camden. Hearing of the approach of the 
army of General Gates, who had succeeded General 
Lincolp in the command of the southern department, 
Cornwallis hastened from Charleston to Camden to the 
support of Rawdon. 

Here a severe battle was fought between the two ar- 
mies. (August 16) which terminated greatly in favour 
of the British forces. Sumpter was pursued the next 
day, and lost his whole detachment, and his artillery. 

Many of the inhabitants of North Carolina had sub- 
mitted to the royal cause. To reduce the disaffected to 
submission, Major Ferguson marched with a considera- 
ble corps, and encamped on the top of King's moun- 
tain, on the confines of North and South Carolina. The 
Americans, mostly hardy mountain volunteers, ascend- 
ed the mountain in three separate divisions, each of 
which was compelled to give way to the bayonet in suc- 
cession. Ferguson was at length killed and his detach- 
ment surrendered. In this engagement the British lost 
three hundred killed and wounded, and eight hundred 
prisoners. 

June. Five thousand men, commanded by Knip- 
hausen, marched into New-Jersey; and, in addition to 
common predatory excursions, were guilty of barbarous 
and wanton depravity, in killing a clergyman's lady in 



158 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Elizabethtown, burning a Presbyterian meeting house, 
and twelve dwellinghouses there, and about fifty dvvell- 
ingbouses in Springfield. They were opposed, at 
Springfield, by General Greene, but the Americans were 
obliged to retreat with considerable loss. 

After the loss of Fort Montgomery, a fortress was 
built at West Point for the security of the North river. 
The American army occupied the strong holds of the 
high lands on each side of the river. General Arnold, 
whose imprudence and extravagance had involved him 
in disgrace and debt, though his courage was never 
doubted, and little fear was entertained of his patriotism, 
solicited and obtained the command of this fortress. 

He immediately entered into negociations with Sir 
Henry Clinton, to make such a disposition of the forces 
under his command, as that Clinton might readily take 
possession of the fort by surprise. Sir Henry's agent 
in this negociation was an elegant, brave, accomplished 
young English officer. Major Andre. Arnold met An- 
dre, (Sept. 21) for consultation, without the posts of 
either army ; Andre having landed from the British 
ship Vulture, lying in the river. 

Their consultation continued till morning, when it 
was too late for Andre to return. He remained con- 
cealed with Arnold the next day. The Vulture had 
changed her situation, and the boatmen refused to con- 
vey him on board. He was hence compelled to return 
to New-York by land. 

In disguise and under the name of John Anderson, 
with a passport from Arnold, he was stopped on the way 
by three of the New-York militia ; and in his boots 
were found papers that detected the treason of Arnold. 
Arnold made his escape. Andre was tried by a board 
of fourteen officers and condemned to be hung as a spy. 

Much as his fate was lamented by the Americans as 
well as British, his execution was warranted, or rather 
tlemanded by the usages of war. He had a trial and 
was treated with tenderness and indulgence ; though 
Captain Hale, perhaps not a less amiable or brave or 
accomplished man than Andre, taken as a spy on Long 



THE REVOLUTION. 159 

Island, four years before, was hung by Sir William 
Howe immediately, without being allowed atrial, with- 
out the use of a Bible, or indulgence of a clergyman ; 
while the letters he had written to his mother and other 
relations were destroyed ; the provost Marshall declar- 
ing " the rebels should not know they had a man in 
their army who could die with so much firmness." Ar- 
nold was made a Brigadier General in the British ser- 
vice. 

January, 1781 . A mutiny, the consequences of which 
were at first greatly dreaded, took place among the 
whole of the Penns3dvania line, excepting three regi- 
ments. The soldiers turned out under arms, without 
their officers, insisting on a redress of grievances. Their 
complaints being founded in justice, after a few days 
they returned to duty, their requests being first granted. 

While the mutiny continued. Sir Henry Clinton sent 
confidential messengers to the mutineers, endeavouring 
to seduce them to the British cause. The disaffected, 
so far from listening to Clinton's proposals, delivered 
the messengers to General W^ayne. They were tried 
by a board of officers and executed as British spies. 

Arnold, with about sixteen hundred men and a num- 
ber of armed vessels, entered the Chesapeake, proceed- 
ed up James river, and in various predatory excursions, 
plundered and devastated the adjacent country. 

A French squadron from Rhode-Island, was sent to 
cut oft' his retreat. Ten of Arnold's vessels were destroy- 
ed, and a forty-four gun ship captured. After which a 
naval engagement took place, off the capes of Virginia, 
between the French and an English squadron ; which, 
though no victory was obtained on either side, prevent- 
ed the capture or defeat of Arnold. 

General Greene succeeded Gates in the command of 
the southern department. He sent a detachment, under 
the command of General Morgan, to the extremity of 
South Carolina ; marching himself with his main body 
to tjie Pedee. Cornwallis sent Colonel Tarleton to op- 
pose Morgan. 

A battle took place at the Cowpens, near Pacolet ri- 



160 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ver, (January 17.) Tarleton surpassed Morgan in in- 
fantry in the proportion of five to four ; and in cavalry 
in tlie proportion of three to one ; and two-thirds of 
Morgan's troops were militia^ At the first onset the 
Americans in front, retreated, ^oon after, a successful 
attack was made by Lieutenant Colonel Washington. 

Colonel Howard rallied the continental troops, who 
made a charge with fixed bayonets. Their example 
was immediately followed by the militia. A complete 
victory ensued. Three hundred of the British were kill- 
ed or wounded, and above five hundred taken prisoners. 
Eight hundred stand of arms, thirty-five baggage wa- 
gons, and a hundred dragoon horses, fell to the victors ; 
who lost only twelve men killed, and sixty wounded. 

Cornwallis, instead of the expected tidings of the de- 
feat of Morgan, was informed of the complete overthrow 
of his favourite officer Tarleton, in whom he had placed 
live greatest confidence. He immediately began his 
march, in full expectation of overtaking Morgan, and 
recovering his prisoners. 

Greene, aware of his intentions, marched to join his- 
troops with those of Morgan. Cornwallis pursued with 
a far superior force ; and was within a few miles of the 
retreating army at the Catawba ; but a sudden freshet 
prevented his crossing. 

The freshet subsiding, Cornwallis continued the pur- 
suit to the Yadkin. The Americans had scarcely cross- 
ed, in flats and boats, and secured their boats on the 
north side of the river, before Cornwallis appeared on 
the opposite side ; but was unable to pass, for want of 
boats. 

He then proceeded to the upper fords, for the pur- 
pose of passing the river. Li the meantime, Greene's 
and Morgan's troops joined, at Guildford court-house. 
Soon after, Greene, with his troops and baggage, cross- 
ed the Dan, and entered Virginia ; narrowly escaping 
the van of the British troops, who were in close pursuit. 

Cornwallis repaired to Hillsborough ; erected the 
royal standard, and issued a proclamation inviting the 
loyalists to join him. Many flocked to his standard ; 



THE REVOLUTION. l6l 

and he sent Tarleton, with four hundred and fifty men, 
to encourage the loyalists between Deep and Haw rivers. 

Greene, apprehensive of Tarleton's success, recross- 
ed the Dan. Three hundred and fifty of the loyalists, 
mistaking Greene's troops for the British, were attack- 
ed to great advantage, and cut to pieces, while ex- 
claiming, " God save the King." Tarleton also killed 
many of the royalists, supposing them to be American 
militia under Greene. General Greene having re- 
ceived considerable reinforcements, was resolved on a 
general action. This took place at Guilford. After a 
severe engagement, in which the British lost far the 
greater number of men, Greene was compelled to re- 
treat before the veterans of Cornwallis. 

General Greene returned to South Carolina ; and 
marched to Camden. Here an action took place be- 
tween him and Lord Rawdon, in which the latter ob- 
tained the advantage. Numerous forts and garrisons 
soon surrendered to the troops of Greene, and he had 
full expectation of recovering all South Carolina in a 
short time. 

The immediate accomplishment of this hope was de- 
layed by a defeat at Ninety-Six. To this place Greene 
laid siege. Hearing of the approach of Lord Rawdon 
for its relief, Greene determined upon an assault. In 
this he failed, losing one hundred and fifty men. 
. On the eighth of September a severe battle was 
fought at Eutaw springs, in which the British lost, in 
killed, wounded, and prisoners, about eleven hundred. 
The American loss was five hundred and fifty-five. 
This battle nearly finished the revolutionary war in 
South Carolina. The British army moved down to 
their strong holds at Chai'leston. 

Cornwallis, after the battle of Guilford, leaving South 
Carolina to the charge of Lord Rawdon, marched to 
Wilmington, (N. C.) and thence to Petersburg, (Va.) 
which place he reached on the twentieth of May ; hav-^ 
ing been largely reinforced by troops from New-York, 
and the troops of General Phillips. 

To watchj harass, and oppose Cornwallis, Washing- 



162 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ton sent Marquis de la Fayette, with about three 
thousand troops ; not half the number of those of the 
enemy. He reached Richmond just as Cornwaliis ar- 
rived at Manchester, on the other side of James river. 

The British army crossed the river, marched through 
Hanover county, and passed the Pamunkey. Fayette 
acted with the utmost caution on the defensive, making 
a judicious choice of posts, and impressing the enemy 
with a belief that his army was far greater than in fact 
it was. 

The plan of the campaign, on the part of the Ame- 
ricans and French, as resolved upon in the spring, was, 
to lay siege to New-York, in conjunction witii a French 
fleet that was to arrive in August. Letters were writ- 
ten to the several Governors of New-England and 
New-Jerse3% for their quota of six thousand troops. 

Washington encamped near King's Bridge with his 
army; where he was joined by the French troops from 
Rhode-Island. All things were prepared for a vigor- 
ous siege of New-York, when, about the middle of 
August, circumstances induced Washington totally to 
change the plan of the campaign. 

The states were very slow in filling their quotas ; the 
militia were but partially embodied ; Clinton had re- 
ceived from Europe a reinforcement of three thousand ; 
the garrison had been made exceedingly strong ; and, 
in addition, Washington received information that the 
expected French fleet, under Count de Grasse, was 
destined to the Chesapeake, instead of New-York. 

These circumstances induced the American com- 
mander to turn his attention to the situation of Corn- 
A^allis. The posts on Hudson.'s river were left to the 
charge of General Heath, Washington determining to 
lead the expedition in person against Cornwaliis. 

With much art and address Washington impressed 
Clinton with the firmest belief, that aii attempt would 
soon be made on New-York. What added to Clinton's 
belief was, the detection of a letter written by Wash- 
ington, detailing the plan of the campaign ; and thus 
confirming the British general, who had no cause either 



THE REVOLUTION. l63 

to doubt the genuineness of the letter, or to suspect de- 
ception. 

Hence, till too late, all the fears of Clinton were for 
the safety of New-York ; thus withholding from Corn- 
wallis the succours for which he importuned. So con- 
fident was the British commander of an attack on New- 
York, that Washington was far on his way to Virginia 
before he suspected his march to the southward any 
other than a feint, to induce him to part with a portion 
of his troops to reinforce Cornwallis. 

As a place of permanent security of the army and 
navy, till the fate of ^New-York should be determined, 
Cornwallis had fixed upon Yorktown, near the mouth 
of York river ; having seven thousand troops under 
his command. There he applied himself with assiduity 
to fortify the place. 

While he was expecting an English fleet from the 
West-Indies to co-operate in the reduction of Virginia, 
the French fleet under De Grasse, consisting of twenty- 
eight sail of the line, entered the Chesapeake, and 
moored in Lynnhaven bay ; ships and frigates being at 
the same time sent to block up York river. 

On the fourteenth of September, Washington and 
Count Rochambeau reached Williamsburg, and imme- 
diately visited De Grasse on board of the Ville de 
Paris, to consult on future operations. Washington's 
army, amounting to twelve thousand, moved to the in- 
vestiture of Yorktown, (Sept. 30.) and the French 
fleet took a position at the mouth of York river, to 
prevent Cornwallis either from retreating or receiving 
assistance. 

The principal part of the British army were encamp- 
ed at Yorktown, on the high bank of York river. 
Gloucester point, on the other side, projects far into the 
river. Cornwallis occupied both posts. 

A letter about this time was received by Cornwallis 
from Clinton, informing him of a naval reinforcement 
having arrived from England, and of his^ determination 
to send, by the fifth of October, twenty-three sail of 
the line and five thousand troops for his relief. 



164 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

On the ninth and tenth of October, the American 
and French armies opened their batteries ; the royal 
army exerting themselves to the utmost, to impede their 
progress by the steady employment of their artillery. 
The besiegers kept up a steady fire from their heavy 
cannon, their mortars and howitzers ; their shells reach- 
ing the shipping, and burning a forty-four gun ship and 
a transport. 

On the evening of the eleventh the second parallel 
was opened within a ,sixth part of a mile of the lines 
of the enemy. Two British redoubts greatly impeded 
the operations of the combined armies. The reduction 
of these was committed, the one to the French, the 
other to the Americans. The redoubts were assailed 
vrith unloaded arms, and both carried, Colonel Hamil- 
ton leading the advanced corps of the Americans, and 
Colonel Laurens turning the redoubt to intercept a re- 
treat. About forty were killed and wounded. 

The French, in carrying the redoubt assigned ta 
' them, had about a hundred killed and wounded. Colo- 
nel Abercrombie, (Oct. 16,) with four hundred men, 
sallied out and forced two American redoubts ; spiking 
eleven cannon. No advantage, however, accrued, as 
the cannon were soon unspiked and fit for service. 

The besiegers had now nearly a hundred heavy 
guns constantly playing ; while the works of the be- 
sieged could hardly show a gun. To capitulate, or 
attempt an escape, were now the alternatives left to the 
British General. He determined on the latter ; design- 
ing to cross over to Gloucester Point, cut his way 
through the forces opposing there, and by rapid 
marches form a junction with the royal forces at New- 
York. One embarkation crossed, but the returning 
boats were scattered by a violent storm, so that his de- 
sign was entirely frustrated, and his strength weakened 
by the division. 

Several new batteries being opened, (Oct. 17,) Corn- 
wallis and his engineers were convinced that longer re- 
sistance would be but a useless waste of blood. In the 
morning, a cessation of arms for twenty-four hours- 



THE REVOLUTION. 165 

was requested by the British commander, and the ap- 
pointment of commissioners to digest terms of capitu- 
lation. To this Washington consented; and commis- 
sioners were the next day a]Dpointed. 

Early the next morning the terms were sent to Corn- 
waUis, by General Washington, with the expression of 
an expectation that they would be signed by eleven 
o'clock, and that the garrison would march out by two 
in the afternoon. The Earl, from necessity, complied 
with the terms. 

By the terms of capitulation, the troops became pri- 
soners of war to Congress; the ships surrendered to 
France : the officers retained their private property. 
General liincohi received the submission of Cornwallis, 
in the same way in which his own had been received at 
^Charleston, a year and a half before. 

Cornwallis endeavoured to obtain indemnity for the 
loyalists who had joined him ; but this was refused. 
He was, however, allowed a sloop of war to pass un- 
examined to New-York, in which many of the most 
obnoxious of the royalists found refuge from the re- 
sentment of their countrymen. 

About three hundred of the combined army were 
killed and wounded during the siege, and about five 
hundred of the British. The American and French 
forces, including about four thousand militia, amount- 
ed to nearly sixteen thousand. The British troops, of 
all sorts, who surrendered prisoners of war, amounted 
to seven thousand and seventy-three ; though the num- 
ber of sick and wounded was so great, that not four 
thousand were capable of bearing arms. 

Five days after the surrender, a British fleet and ar- 
my of seven thousand arrived off the capes of Virginia, 
but learning the fate of Cornwallis, they returned to 
Sandy Hook, and New-York. 

The fall of this second large British army may be 
considered as, substantially, closing the war. General 
Washington ordered divine service in the different di- 
visions and brigades. Congress went in solemn pro- 
cession to the Dutch Lutheran church in Philadelphia, 



166 HISTORY OF THE UxMTED STATES. 

and returned thanks to Almighty God for the success of 
the combined armies ; and ordered a day of general 
thanksgiving and prayer throughout the United States. 

The rapture that was diffused throughout the Union 
by the capture of Cornwallis, no historian can express. 
"Well authenticated testimony asserts," says Dr. Ram- 
say, " that the nerves of some were so agitated as to 
produce convulsions ; and at least one man expired un- 
der the tide of pleasure which flowed in upon him, up- 
on hearing of his lordship's surrender : (the door-keep- 
er of Congress.) The people throughout the United 
States displayed a social triumph and exultation which 
no private prosperity is ever able fully to inspire." 

On the sixth of September, while the combined ar- 
mies were marching to the siege of Yorktown, Arnold 
conducted an expedition against New-London. On 
each side the river Thames, below New-London, was 
a fort. Each of these was attacked and compelled to 
surrender to Arnold. 

When Fort Trumbull was taken, one of the officers 
on entering, asked who commanded. " I did, but you 
do now," said Colonel Ledyard, presenting his sword. 
The officer immediately plunged the sword in his bosom. 
Though all resistance had ceased, the slaughter of the 
garrison continued, till the greater part were either kill- 
ed or wounded. The town was then reduced to ashes ; 
and Arnold returned to New-York. 

1782. The American army, after the capture of 
.Cornwallis returned to the vicinity of New-York. A 
few skirmishes alone indicated the continuance of the 
war. Very similar was the situation of South Caroli- 
na : the British being confined to Charleston and its 
neighbourhood ; excepting som« occasional skirmishes 
and predatory excursions. 

The state of Georgia had long been a scene of plun- 
der, havoc and devastation. In June, General Wayne 
had an engagement with the British and Indians, and 
gained a considerable victory. 

The British ministry, sent a squadron under the com- 
maad of Lord Rodney,, for the protection of tlieir pos- 



THE REVOLUTIOxN. lb? 

sessions in the West Indies. Count de Grasse, with 
thirty-four sail of the line, intended to join the Spanish 
fleet at Hispaniola, and in concert, attack Jamaica. 

This was prevented by Rodney ; and a sanguinary 
naval engagement took plaoe between the French and 
English, in which de Grasse was defeated, (April 12,) 
with the loss of nine thousand men killed and wound- 
ed, while the British loss little exceeded eleven hundred. 
This defeat entirely frustrated the plans of France and 
Spain against the possessions of the English in the 
West Indies. 

Motion after motion had been mar^e in the British 
parliament, for putting an end to the American war, 
from the twelfth of December 1781, till the fourth of 
March 1782, when the commons resolved, " that the 
house would consider as enemies to his majesty and the 
countr}^, all those who should advise or attempt the 
further prosecution of offensive war on the continent of 
North America." 

The royal army in North America, was entrusted to 
Sir Guy Carlton, who was directed to use his endea- 
vours to promote the wishes of Great Britain for an ac- 
commodation with the United States. 

A letter was directed by him, (May,) to General 
Washington, requesting a passport for his secretary to 
pay a visit to Congress. This was refused ; the object 
appearing to be to secure a peace with the United 
States, without including their allies. 

Failing in this wish, the stubbornness of the British 
ministry was forced to yield to the loud clamours for 
peace throughout the British dominions. For this pur- 
pose, commissioners were appointed : on the part of the 
United States, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John 
Jay and Henry Laurens ; Mr. Fitzherbert and Mr. Os- 
wald, on the part of Great Britain. Provisional arti- 
cles of peace were signed. 

Savannah was evacuated in July ; and Charleston in 
December. Holland acknowledged the independence 
of the United States in April ; Sweden in February, 
(1783) Denmark in the same month, Spain in March, 



168 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and Russia in July. The definitive treaty of peace be- 
tween Great Britain and tiie United States, was signed 
on the thirtieth of September. 

The third of November, was fixed by Congress for 
disbanding the army of the United States. The day 
previous, General Washington issued his affectionate 
and advisory farewell orders to the armies. About 
three weeks after, New-\ork was evacuated; and Ge- 
neral Washington entered the city. 

When about to take leave of his officers, the general, 
calling for a glass of wine, thus addressed them : " W^iih 
a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of 
you : I most devoutly wish that your latter days may 
be as prosperous and happy, as your former ones have 
been glorious and honourable." The officers then ap- 
proached him in succession, and he affectionately bade 
adieu to each. They followed in silent procession to 
the barge which was to bear him across the Hudson ; 
on entering which he waved his hat, in mute adieu to 
the companions of his toils and his glory. He proceed- 
ed, amidst the demonstrations of affection and respect, 
of gratitude and joy, to Annapolis, where Congress was 
then sitting, and resigned the commission which he had 
so long held under their authority. 

Here the scene was so affecting, that neither he nor 
the President of Congress, were fully able to preserve 
the powers of utterance. After resigning, his commis- 
sion, he hastened to Mount Vernon; to the bosom of 
his family, and the delights of domestic retirement. 

Thus ended a long war, the cost of which to Great 
Britain was one hundred and eight millions of pounds 
sterling, the loss of above fifty thousand subjects, and 
the loss of her colonies ; w hile her gain was nothing : a 
war which enabled the colonies to escape injustice and 
slavery, assert and maintain independence, assume a 
station among the nations of the earth, and establish an 
empire, which, by the continuance of its unity, may, 
within a century and a half, look down from its high 
pre-eminence, on the proudest stale now existing. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Meio Constitution^ Its Administrations; JFar zvith Greai 
Britain^ Peace. 

Incompetency of the National Government — Meeting- of deputies 
at Annapolis — National Convention to foi-m a new constitution — 
Constitution adopted by the states — Washington elected President 
— Meeting of Congress at New-York — ^Government organized — 
Funding of the national, and assvimption of the state debts — Inter- 
nal taxes — National Bank — Cause of parties — Indian war — appor- 
tionment of Representatives — Defeat of St. Clair by the Indians — 
Forces raised — Washington rechosen President — War on the con- 
tinent of Europe — Proclamation of neutrality — Arrival of Genet — 
His deportment — Democratic societies — Commercial resolutions— 
Algerine captures — The building of frigates — Diflficultios with En- 
gland — Genet recalled — Wayne's victory — Pennsylvania insurrec- 
tion — Treaty with England — with Algiers — with tlie Indians — and 
with Spain — Ministers sent to France — Death of Washington — Mr. 
Jefferson's administration — Tripolitan war — Burr's conspiracy — 
Chesapeak and Leopard — French and British Edicts — Arrange- 
ment with ErskiBtti — Mr. Jackson's correspondence — Measures pre- 
paratory to a war with Great Britain — Declaration of \vap — Mob in 
Baltimore — Capture of the Guerriere — Hull's surrender — Battle of 
Queenston — Capture of the Frolic — the Macedonian — ^and Java — 
Battle at the Raisin — Capture of the Peacock — Battle and taking of 
York — Fort Meigs — Loss of the Chesapeak — Victory on Lake Erie 
— ^^Loss of the Essex — Capture of the Epervier — Battle of Chippe- 
wa — Possession of Washington by the British — Plunder of Alex- 
andria — Fort Erie defended — Naval victory on Lake Champlain — 
Defeat of the British at Plattsburg — Fleets on Lake Ontario — Hart- 
ford Convention — Loss of the President — Battle «f New-Orleans — 
Peace. 

THE debt of the United States, at the close of the war, 
was about forty millions of dollars. Congress had power 
to make war and to create debts, but no power to carry 
on the war, nor ability to pay debts, but hy appeals or 
recommendations to thirteen independent sovereignties, 
whose unanimity alone, seldom to be expected, could 
support public credit, or^ive efficacy to the proceedings 
of Congress. For the payment of the public debt, a 
proposal was made by congress to the several states to 
lay a duty of five per cent, on all goods imported from 
foreign countries, till the national debt should be paid> 

H 



170 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

This plan failed: some states adopting it altogether , 
some agreeing to i^ hi part; and some totally rejecting 
it. Thus, no efficient funds being provided, the evi- 
dences of public debt began to decrease in value, till 
they were sold at length for two shillings on the pound. 

In January, 1786, the Legislature of Virginia adopt- 
■ ed a proposition for the appointment of Commissioners, 
who were to meet, with such as might be appointed by 
the other states, to take into consideration the trade of 
the United States, and establish a uniform system of 
commercial relations ; reporting to the several states such 
an act as shall be a:greed upon, for their ratification. 

Annapolis was appointed for the place of meeting. 
The convention was attended by commissioners from 
five states only. So small a number of states being 
represented, the commissioners rose without coming to 
any specific resolutions on the subjects referred to them. 
They, however, before they adjourned, made a report 
to the several states, and recommended that deputies be 
appointed by the legislatures, to meet in Philadelphia 
the next May. 

1787. On the nineteenth of May, agreeable to the 
recomendation of the deputies at Annapolis, the repre- 
sentatives of twelve states appeared in convention, at 
Philadelphia, the next May^ for the purpose of revising 
and enlarging the powers of Congress, he. Rhode- 
Island refused to send. 

General Washington w^as unanimously chosen Pre- 
sident ; and the coiivention proceeded to the important 
business before them with closed doors. On the 17th 
of September, the present Constitution of the U. States 
was laid before Congress, and sent to the different States. 
The convention recommended that conventions be call- 
ed in the different states to discuss its merits, and agree 
to its adoption or rejection ; the new constitution to go 
into operation provided it should be adopted by nine 
gtates. 

The friends and foes of the new constitution, were 
extremely active for its adoption and rejection. Con- 
ventions were successively called in the different states. 



THE REVOLUTION. " 171 

the new system of pjovernment discussed, and eleven 
states agreed to it; North Carolina and Rhode-Island 
not at first adopting it. 

However discordant were the opinions of people in 
relation to the rejection or acceptance of the new con- 
stitution, there was but one sentiment with regard to 
the man who should be the first President. Washington 
was unanimously chosen President, and John Adams 
was chosen Vice-President. 

The senators and representatives being elected, though 
the time appointed for the first meeting was the 4th of 
iMarch, the house of representatives was not formed till 
the first, nor the senate till the sixth of April. On the 
14th, Washington was officially informed of his ap- 
pointment; and two days after he left Mount Vernon 
for New-York, where Congress first convened. On 
the 30th of April he took the oath prescribed by the 
constitution, in presence of an immense number of 
spectators ; after which he made his first speech_to both 
houses of Congress. 

Business of high importance was now before Con- 
gress ; provision to be made for funding the public debt, 
a revenue system to be digested, departments to be or- 
ganized, a judiciary to be established, he. 

After much discussion, at length the government was 
completely organized. It now became the duty of the 
President to select proper persons to fill the various of- 
fices that had been created. In performing this impor- 
tant duty, he was influenced neither by consanguinity 
nor undue attachments. For so many, and many of 
them offices of emolument and honour, the number of 
candidates was great, and the disappointments of course 
numerous. 

Mr. Jefferson was selected for the Deportment of 
State; Colonel Hamilton was appointed Secretary of 
the Treasury; General Knox Secretary at War, and 
Mr. Edmund Randolph Attorney General of the Unit- 
ed States. Such was the first cabinet counsel of the 
President. John Jay, Esq. was made Chief Justice of 
the Supreme Court of the United States ; John Rutr 



172 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ledge, James Wilson, William dishing, Robert Harri- 
son and John Blair, were nominated Associate Judges. 

On the 29th of September, the first session closed ; 
the Secretary of the Treasury being previously direct- 
ed to prepare a plan for providing adequate support of 
the public credit, and to report the same at the next 
meeting of Congress. The second session of Congress 
was to be held on the first Monday in January. 

During this recess, the President made the tour of 
the eastern stales, through Connecticut and Masssachu- 
setts as far as Portsmouth, N. H. In this rout it is im- 
possible to describe the emotions of joy and gratitude 
on the part of the citizens, wherever the President went. 
He returned to New-York, by a different rout from that 
in which he went, on the 13th of November. 

A second convention of Nortli Carolina, (Nov.) 
agreed to adopt the constitution by a large majority. 

The second session of the first Congress, began the 8th 
of January, 1790. On the 9th, Mr. Hamilton made hi& 
report with respect to the maintenance of public credit. 

With regard to the foreign debt, he remarked that no 
difference of opinion existed ; all agreed that provision 
should be made for its discharge according to the terms 
of contract. With regard to the do^nestic debt, opi- 
nions were entirely opposite ; some advocating a dis- 
crimination between the present holders of public secu- 
rities, and those to whom the debt was originally due. 

Mr. Hamilton himself, w as opposed to any discrimi- 
nation ; considering such distinction as unjust and im- 
politic, ruinous to public credit, and injurious even to 
original holders of public securities. He proposed se- 
veral terms for funding the public debt, to be left at the 
option of the creditors. 

The sulyect was delayed till February, when a long 
and most animated discussion took place ; in which the 
interest of a large portion of the community, and of 
course their feelings, were strongly engaged. The 
principle was of this amount : — Shall the present hold- 
ers of pnlilic securities, who have given but two or 
three shillings on the pound, receive the full value of 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 173 

what appears on the face of the obligations, or only 
the amount iliey gave ? 

After much debate, Mr. Madison proposed that the 
present holder of assignable paper, should receive the 
bigliest price such paper had borne in the market, and 
the original holder receive the residue ; the original 
creditor having never parted with his claim, to receive 
the whole. After a long and animated argument, these 
propositions were rejected by a large majority. 

During the war the states had frequently exerted 
their resources, under their own authority, independent 
of Congress. Some had funded their debts, some had 
paid the interest ; some had done neither. All looked 
forward to the new Congress to assume the state debts : 
and this was a measure recommended by the Secretary 
of the Treasur}'. 

After a warm debate of many days, a resolution for 
this purpose was carried in the house by a small majo- 
rity. The delegates tVom North Carolina soon after 
taking their seats, the resolution waS recommitted, and 
subsequently negatived. 

Much dispute had taken place with respect to the 
temporary as well as permanent seat of government. 
The dispute at length was principally confined to the 
Delaware and the Potomac. A bill was at this time 
passed, fixing the temporary seat of government, for 
ten years, at Philadelphia, after which the permanent 
seat of government was to be established on the Poto- 
mac. 

This bill had an effect on some members from the 
Potomac, who now changed their votes in relation 
to the assumption of the state debts. A bill having 
come from the Senate for that purpose, and for funding 
the national debt, was carried in the house by a small 
majority. On the 12th of August, Congress adjourn- 
ed, to meet in Philadelphia the first Monday iixthe fol- 
lowing December. 

Soon after the commencement of the third session of 
■ongress, a bill was introduced in the house for laying 
a tax on domestic distilled spirits, agreeably to the re- 



174 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

port of the Secretary of the Treasury, for paying the 
interest of the assumed debt of the states. A tax on 
domestic distilled spirits was violently opposed by the 
members from the south and the west. Their consti- 
tuents, being little effected by the impost on foreign 
merchandise, were not averse to an increase of the im- 
post; but they considered a tax on their home-made 
spirits as unnecessary and unequal. The members who 
opposed the bill, preferred a tax on salaries, pensions, 
lawyers, a stamp act, a direct tax, or an increased duty 
on molasses. The bill, after much debate, was at 
length carried, thirty-five to twenty-one. 

Soon after, agreeably to a particular report on the 
subject by the Secretary of the Treasury, a bill was 
sent from the Senate for the establishment of a national 
bank. It passed to the third reading in the house with- 
out opposition. On the final question it was vehement- 
ly opposed. The opposition considered all banking 
systems useless ; the present bill 'defective ; and the J 
power of establishing a bank not granted to Congress 
hy the constitution. ) 

The supporters of the bill considered it as constitu- 
tional ; and a national bank not only useful, but neces- 
sary for the operations of the government The bill, 
after a long and ardent discussion, in which great abi- 
lities were displayed on both sides, was at length car- 
ried by a majority of nineteen votes. 

Previous to its sanction by tlie President, he requir-j^ 
ed, in writing, the opinions of the dabinet. Mr. Jef- 
ferson and Mr. Randolph were opposed, and Mr. Ha- , 
milton supported the bill. After deliberate investiga- ' 
tion the President was convinced of its constitutionality 
and utility, and gave it his signature. 

This bill, in addition to the assumption of the state , 
debts, the funding of the national debt, disappointments 
of office, and the tax on domestic distilled spirits, tend- 
ed greatly to produce that distinction of parties, which ' 
afterwards so fully and injuriously agitated all ranks 
in the United States. 

Having organized the government, exalted the cha 



■Mnd 



WASHINGTON'S ADIMIMSTRATION. 17 j 

racter of the nation, established ihc departments and a 
revenne system, and created public credit, (he first (.'on- 
gress closed its last session on the third of March, 1701. 
Already had the two houses, as well as the people, be- 
come in a degree divided into parties ; the one sup- 
porting, the other denouncing the principal proceed- 
ings of the government. The Secretary of the Trea- 
SiUT, and the northern members generally, had become 
obnoxious to a large portion of the people. 

The Indians beyond the Ohio, having long committed 
depredations on the Irontiei-s, and all attempts at recon- 
ciliations having failed, General Harmar was sent, with 
a considerable force, to reduce them to terms. He was 
successful in destroying some of their villages and their 
grain; but, in an engagement with them, near Chili- 
cothe, met with a considerable loss. General St. Clair 
was appointed to succeed Harmar. 

One of the first bills of the next Congress, (Dec. 
1791,) was that for apportioning the number of repre- 
sentatives according to ti.e census. The first bill fell, 
from a disagreement between the two houses. Tlie 
second bill provided one representative to every thirty 
thousand ; the fractions making enough for eight more 
representatives; these were divided among those states 
that had the greatest fractions. This bill was returned 
by the President to the house whence it originated ; he 
considering it unconstitutional ; as by it eight states 
would send more than their population allowed. The 
bill was rejected ; and a third bill fixed the ratio at one 
for G\cry thirty-three thousand. 

In a battle with the Indians, (Nov. 4,) General St. 
Clair was completely defeated, losing about six hunched 
killed and above two hundred and fifty wounded, out 
of about fifteen hundred. The battle was fotinju near 
the Miami. In this engagement, fell the gallant General 
Butler, and several other officers who had served with 
distinction during the American revolution. 
. In consequence of this defeat, the President caused 
estimates to be made of the forces necessary to be sent 
against the Indians. A bill was introduced, conforma- 



176 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

bly to a report of the Secretary at War, for raising 
three additional regiments of infantry and a squadron 
of cavalry. The bill was warmly opposed, on the 
grounds that the war itself was not just; that the mili- 
tia was preferable to regular troops ; the expense would 
be enormous 5 there were no funds in the treasury, for 
the support of such a force; and, if regiments after 
regiments were thus to be raised, it was impossible to 
foresee where there would be a stop. 

On the other side it was said, that the war was un- 
dertaken to defend our citizens on the frontiers, who 
were settled on lands purchased of the Indians ; that it 
had been proved that above fifteen hundred persons had 
been massacred, between the years 1783 and 1790, and 
there was reason to believe this number was not half the 
amount of the whole ; that the government had made 
repeated efforts to obtain peace ; that a treaty was pro- 
posed in 1790, at the Miami villages, when the Indians 
requested thirty days for consideration, and in the in- 
terim, though the whites were strictly inoffensive, they 
killed and captured above one hundred and twenty, 
roasting many of the prisoners alive ; that if war ceas- 
ed on our part, it would be continued on theirs ; that a 
regular force was superior to the militia, &;c. Sic. 

The bill passed. Subsequently, to meet the expenses 
of the Indian war, the duties on imposts were augment- 
ed, after strong opposition to the bill for that purpose. 
On the 8th of May, Congress adjourned to November. 

In the western district of Pennsylvania, beyond the 
Alleghany mountains, much opposition had been made, 
from the beginning, to the tax on domestic spirits. 
The opposition increased till the opposers of the tax 
met at Pittsburg, and entered into resolutions to persist 
in every legal measure to obstruct the execution of law, 
by withholding all the comforts of life, which as men 
and fellow-citizens they owed to each other, and treat- 
ing with perfect contempt, all who held offices for the 
collection of the duty. Some atrocities were com- 
mitted, and the laws w^re obstructed by force. The 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 177 

President issued his proclamation exhorting obedience ; 
but without effect. 

The clamour against the Indian war continued, and 
the administration was charged with wishing to hasten 
a monarchial form of government, by establishing a 
large standing army. However unjust were these as- 
persions, the President, previously to an excursion 
among the Indians, determined once more to offer terms 
of peace. 

Colonel Harden and Major Trueman, were severally 
despatched for this purpose, and both of them murder- 
ed by the Indians. General Wayne was appointed to 
the command of the army, but recruits weve so tardy that 
no offensive operations ^^ere undertaken this year. 

Soon after the opening of the next session of Con- 
gress, a motion was mad§ and debated for reducing the 
army. The motion was lost. During this session the 
opposition in the house brought forward some resolu- 
tions accusing the Secretary of the Treasury of miscon- 
duct in office, and requiring of him certain explanations 
relative to some loans negociated under his direction. 

Mr. Hamilton made three distinct reports, fully ac- 
quitting himseK The head of the Treasury depart- 
ment was still, however, extremely obnoxious to the 
opposition; (for parties were now divided by the 
terms federal or administration party, and democratic 
or opposition party.) 

The character of the President was not yet openly 
implicated as inclining to either party, though frequent 
hints were given, especially in the National Gazette, of 
the fondness of the executive for monarehial trappings 
and monarehial inclinations. 

The session closed on the third of March, (1793) with 
much political irritation on both sides. General Wash- 
ington, though he had once determined to withdraw fron? 
public life at the close of the four years, had yielded 
to the earnest solicitations of many friends, and was 
again unanimously elected President. John Adams 
again had a plurality of votes for the Vice-Presidency, 
over George Clinton. 
H 2 



178 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

A treaty was made with the Wabash Indians ; and, 
some prospect appearing of an accommodation with 
the Miamis, the army was not yet marched into their 
territories. 

In April, information vyas received of the declaration 
of war by France, against Great Britain and Hollands 
A large majority of the people of the United States were 
extremely devoted to the cause of France, and unfriend- 
]y to Great Britain, reviving all the feelings by which 
they had been actuated daring the revolution. The 
few who expressed doubts of the permanency of the re- 
public of France, were held up as the friends of monar- 
chy, and the toolsl5f~4*;:£.at Britain. 

General Washington was at Mount Vernon when he 
received information of the declaration of war. He 
immediately returned to Phifadelphia, and consulted 
with the cabinet with regard to the part it behoved the 
American government to take. It was unanimously 
agreed, that the citizens of the United States ought to 
be forbidden to take part in any hostilities on the seas, 
or carry to any of the powers at war, contraband ar- 
ticles. The President was also advised to receive a 
minister, should one be sent. On some other points 
the cabinet was divided. A proclamation of neutrality 
was issued on the 22d of April, 1793. 

The proclamation being without legislative sanction, 
and in opposition to the feelings and prejudices of a 
great portion of the people, an opportunity was pre- 
sented for an open attack on the character of the Pre- 
sident. 

The French minister appointed by the king, was re- 
called ; and on the 8th of April Mr. Genet, appointed 
by the republic, landed, not at the seat of government 
but at Charleston, (S. C.) The flattering reception he 
here met with, induced him to believe that he could ea- 
sily pursuade the American people to embark in the 
cause of France, whatever might be tlie determination^ 
of the government. 

He here undertook to authorize the fitting and arm- 
ing of vessels, and enlisting men, and issuing comrais- 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 179 

Sions to commit hostilities against nations at peace with 
the United States. Captured vessels were brought into 
port, condemned by the French consuls, and the sale of 
them authorized. When he arrived at Philadelphia, he 
was welcomed by the people with extravagant demon- 
strations of joy. 

Mr. Hammond, the British minister, complained of 
these outrages^ The cabinet unanimously condemned 
the proceedings, and determined to try the force of the 
laws against those citizens who had committed the of- 
fence^ On this point it was impossible to doubt : on 
others, connected with the subject of the duty of this 
government towards France, Mr. Jefferson and Mr. 
Randolph were opposed to Mr. Hamilton and General 
Knox. The decision of the American government 
highly offended Genet; by whom the most insolent 
complaints were made to the department of state • and 
in a tone of supercihous invective, the executiv^e was 
charged with acting in perfect opposition to the wishes 
of the people. 

The opposition party, through their presses, called 
the proclamation of neutrality a royal edict, an assump- 
tion of power, and a proof of the monarehial inclina- 
tions of the President. Societies, supposed to be at the 
instigation of Genet, were formed in Philadelphia and 
many other places, with the ostensible intention of pre- 
serving liberty, now endangered by a European con- 
piracy against her, and " by the pride of wealth and 
arrogance of power" displayed against her in the 
United States. These societies cheered Genet with the 
hope that he could bend the administration to his wishes. 

Genet continued his insulting language towards the 
administration, till he at length even threatened an ap- 
peal from the President to the people. This insulting, 
threat began to open the eyes of many, who had before 
been his advocates. When Congress met, in Decem- 
ber, the proclamation of neutrality was approved ; as 
well as the conduct of the administration towards the 
French minister. 

1794. Mr. Jefferson resigned his office on the firit of 



180 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

January, and was succeeded by Mr. Randolph. The 
attorney general's office was filled by Mr. Wm. Brad- 
ford. 

The British government had, in June, issued an or- 
der, forbidding the exportation of corn to France. In 
consequence of this order, many American vessels were 
captured on their way there. There were several oth- 
er causes of dissatisfaction on the part of Congress to- 
wards G. Britain, especially the non-execution of the 
treaty of peace, in not delivering up the western posts. 

This neglect, however, England endeavoured to jus- 
tify, by charging the American government with simi- 
lar neglect in not making provision for the recovery of 
debts due to British creditors before the revolution. 

Mr. Madison brought forward sundry resolutions in 
the House of Representatives, the purport of which was 
to impose an additional duty on the manufactures and 
tonnage of nations having no commercial treaty with 
the United States ; and to reduce the duty already im- 
posed b}^ law, on the tonnage of vessels belonging to 
nations having such commercial treaties. 

The defenders of these resolutions acknov/ledged that 
the object in view was not so much the increase of 
American agriculture, manufactures or navigation, as 
the humihty of Great Britain, and exaltation of France. 
A long and earnest debate ensued ; after which the sub- 
ject was postponed till March. 

The Algerines having captured eleven American 
vessels, and made above one hundred captives; and be- 
ing then preparing for further captures ; while the pros- 
pect of peace with the Dey of Algiers was extremely 
faint; a resolution was agreed to for providing a na- 
val force for the? protection of American commerce a- 
gainst their corsairs. 

The bill for this purpose contemplated six frigates. 
It was opposed with vehemence by the opposition, as 
the commencement of an unnecessary naval establish- 
ment. The bill was at length carried by a majority of 
eleven. 

Great Britain having issued new orders, injurious to 



hlttflbi^dKB 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 181 

American commerce, and having captured a large num- 
ber of American merchantmen, and a war with tliat na- 
tion not appearing an improbable event, bills were pass- 
ed for laying an embargo ; for fortifications ; for rais- 
ing a corps of artillerists and engineers ; and for or- 
ganizing the militia, 

A motion was made for the sequestration of British 
debts. Another was made to prohibit all intercourse 
with Great Britain, till compensation should be made 
for spoliations on the commerce of the United States. 

While these several subjects remained under consi- 
deration, advices were received from England, discov- 
ering on the part of Great Britain a wish to remain in 
peace, and showing that a great part of the vessels car- 
ried into port for adjudication, were not to be condemn- 
ed. Meanwhile a report was made by the Secretary of 
State, showing that the French had violated the treaty 
with the United States, and had not committed less de- 
predations on American commerce than had been com- 
mitted by Great Britain. 

While a chance of preserving peace remained, the 
President felt it his duty to try the effect of negociation. 
For this purpose he nominated Chief Justice Jay, to be 
envoy extraordinary at the court of St. James, for the 
purpose of adjusting subsisting difficulties, and making 
commercial arrangements. To the opposers of the 
administration, this was a most unwelcome step : but 
the President was guided, not by the love of popularitj^, 
but the love of his country. The resolution for cutting 
off all commercial intercourse with Great Britain, was^ 
converted into a bill for that purpose, and passed the 
house ; but was lost in the senate by the casting vote of 
the Vice-President. 

To meet the naval and other unavoidable expendi- 
tures, after obstinate debates, bills were carried for tax- 
ing licenses to sell wines and spirituous liquors, pleasure 
carriages, snuff, and refined sugar. 

Genet was recalled ; and his successor. Monsieur Fau- 
chet, arrived, bringing assurances that his government 
totally disapproved the conduct of his predecessor. 



182 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

A decisive battle was fought by General Wayne, and 
the Indians, on the 20th of August, near the Miami of 
the lakes. The Indians were totally routed and a vast 
number killed. Their whole country was laid waste.^ 
This seasonable victory over the Miamis prevented a 
general war with the- Six Nations, and all the tribes 
north-west of the Ohia. 

An insurrection of the western counties in Pennsyl- 
vania took place this season, which was quelled by a 
large military force raised by the President, after all 
other endeavours to silence it had failed. The insur- 
rection commenced with the avowed purpose of prevent- 
ing by force the collection of internal taxes ; but after- 
wards its object seemed not less to be the overthrow of 
the national government. 

Two persons were convicted of treason, but were af- 
terwards pardoned. The insurrection was attributed 
in a great measure to the instigation and encouragement 
of the democratic societies. Of these societies notice 
was taken at the opening of the session of Congress ia 
November. Though denounced by Congress, they 
continued their meetings and their opposition to the 
administration, till the fall of Robespierre in Paris, 
when political club& were suppressed there ; which sup- 
pression was followed by the natural death of similar 
institutions in the United States*. 

Jan. 1, 1795. Mr. Hamilton resigned the office of 
Secretary of the Treasury, and was succeeded by Mr. 
Wolcott. At the close of the session General Knox re- 
signed the office of Secretary at War. 

Mr. Jay succeeded in forming a treaty with the Bri- 
tish, which was received by the President in March, and 
laid before the senate, who had been summoned for that 
purpose, in June. 

, While the treaty was in debate, with closed doors, a 
member from Virginia gave a copy of it to a printer; 
and it was dispersed with rapidity throughoutthe Union. 
There was on one side a predetermination to condemn 
it ; and the other side were not immediately prepared 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATlOxN. 183 

for the defence, of what required much time and inves- 
tigation, to afford a correct judgment. 

The Senate, twenty to ten, advised the ratification of 
the treaty. Addresses, not only from the principal 
towns, but from almost all parts of the United States, 
were sent to the President, entreating him to withhold 
his signature. General Washington well laiew the ob- 
loquy he sjiould encounter ; but was not deterred from 
the discharge of his duty. He signed the treaty ; a 
treaty which settled all difficulties ; which prevented a 
war, and which proved of incalculable advantage to the 
United States. 

A treaty was made this season with Algiers, and with 
the Miamis : thus the American captives were restored, 
and the commerce of the Mediterranean opened ; and 
the fi'antiers of the United States secured from savage 
invasions. A treaty was also made with Spain, in which 
the United States obtained all her claims with regard to 
boundary and the navigation of the Mississippi. 

1796. Resolutions for carrying into effect the differ- 
ent treaties made the last year, met with no opposition 
in Congress, except that with Great Britain. After 
the most ardent and obstinate debating of several weeks 
continuance, during which addresses from all quarters 
in support of the treaty were received by the house, the 
bill making the necessary provisions passed the house, 
by a majority of three;. 

Having determined, at the close of his second presi- 
dential term, to withdraw from public life, General 
Washington, previously to the time of election, mad© 
known his intentions, and addressed to the people of the 
United States a valedictory discourse ; impressive and 
affectionate, replete with political truths and salutary 
counsel. 

In his speech at the opening of the session In Decem- 
ber, among %ther objects of national importance, the 
President strongly recommended the gradual creation 
of a navy. 

In February, (1797,) the votes for President and 
Vice-President were opened in the Senate chamber ; by 



184 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

which it appeared that John Adams was elected Presi- 
dent, and Thomas Jefferson Vice-President, for the 
ensuing four years. On the 4th of March, they were 
inducted to office, attended by General Washington.^ 
Soon after which,^ the late President retired to his seat 
at Mount Vernon. 

General C. C. Pinekney, had been appointed minister 
to France, but the directory refused to receive him as 
such. The French cruisers began to seize and condemn 
American vessels, under pretexts the most unjustifiable. 
To prevent war, Mr. Adams appointed three envoys 
extraordinary to the French republic, General Pinek- 
ney, Mr. Marshall, and Mr. Gerry. 

Before the envoys could be acknowledged by the di- 
rectory, money was demanded of them as a tribute. 
This demand was repelled. The great strength of the 
republic was then stated : it was said that Austria was 
humbled, Great Britain would soon be conquered, and 
safety for Anferica would soon depend altogether on 
France. It was also declared that they, the French, 
possessed in the United States, the means of rendering 
odious the envoys and the American government. 

The conversations and proceedings of the envoys 
were soon after despatched to America. Their publi- 
cation excited general indignation against the French 
directory. The envoys returned Meanwhile the 
French cruisers captured every American vessel that 
could be found, bearing the flag of the United States. 

1798. Measures were adopted in Congress for reta- 
liation and defence. A regular provisional army was 
established, and the President authorised to appoint 
officers. 

General Washington was appointed, by the unani- 
mous consent of the Senate, Lieutenant-General and 
commander of ail the armies raised, or to be raised, in 
the United States. The navy was incTetised, and re- 
prisals made on the water. 

1799. The President had declared his determination 
not again to make overtures or send a minister to France 
till he was assured of their proper reception j but over- 



ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 185 

tures being indirectly made by the French government 
for a renewal of negotiations, three envoys were sent 
to Paris ; where they found the government in the hands 
of Bonaparte, who had not partaken of the transactions 
which had embroiled the two countries. A peace was 
the consequence. 

In the night of the 13th of December, General Wash- 
ington was seized with an inflammatory affection of the 
windpipe, occasioned by an exposure to a slight rain 
the day before. A cough, difficult deglutition, pain, 
fever, and laborious respiration, ensued. 

Physicians were sent for in the morning; but medi- 
cal skill was unavailing. He breathed his last at half 
past eleven, Saturday evening. His body was depo- 
sited in the family vault the next Wednesday, attended 
by military honours. 

The information of his death reached Philadelphia 
on Monda}^ Congress immediately adjourned. The 
next day, resolutions were adopted expressive of the 
grief of the members ; and a committee was appointed 
to devise a mode by which the national feelings should 
be expressed. 

The committee recommended the erection of a mar- 
ble monument at the city of Washington, under which 
to deposite his body ; that an oration be delivered at 
the German Lutheran Church before both houses ; that 
it be recommended to the people of the United States 
to wear crape on the left arm thirty days, and that the 
President write a letter of condolence to Mrs. Washing- 
ton, and request her consent to the removal of the body 
of her departed husband. 

The resolutions were passed unanimously. General 
Henry Lee delivered a solemn and eloquent oration. 
The whole nation appeared in sorrow. Eulogies and 
funeral processions were almost universal through the 
country. — " The monument, .however, has never been 
erected. That the great events of the political as well 
as military life of General Washington should be 
commemorated, could not be pleasing to those who 



186 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

had condemned, and who continued to condemn the 
whole course of his administration."* 

1 800. Agreeable to the law passed for that purpose, 
the seat of government was transferred from Philadel- 
phia to the city of Washington. 

Parties being nearly equally divided,! the election- 
eering campaign for President and Vice-President com- 
menced, and was continued with much warmth, and 
much bitterness, on both sides. At the close, a small 
majority appeared in favour of Thomas Jefferson and 
Aaron Burr. The constitution providing that the per- 
son having the greatest number of votes should be Pre- 
sident, and Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Burr, having an equal 
number, it became the duty of the House of Represen- 
tatives, voting by states, to decide who should be Pre- 
sident. 

The ballot was taken, for several days in succession, 
(Feb. ISOl,) before a decision was had; the federal 
party generally voting for Mr. Burr ; the democratic 
party for Mr. Jefferson. After much heat and animos- 
ity, both in the house and abroad, Mr. Jeffei'son was at 
length elected President. 

During the session previous to the retirement of Mr. 
Adams, an act was passed amending the judiciary sys- 
tem, and appointing sixteen new judges. On the 4th 
of March Mr. Jefferson was inaugurated ; and deliver- 
ed a speech expressive of his political opinions, and de- 
claring the principles on which he intended to adminis- 
ter the government. 

He commenced his administration by removing from 
office a great part of thos'e whose political sentiments 
were opposite to his own ; and the honours and emolu- 
ments of whose offices were tlie greatest ; justifying the 
measure on the ground that offices had almost exclu- 
sively been bestowed on the adherents of one party. 

* Marshall. 

t The law authorishig the President to send aliens out of the coun- 
try, and the law to punish the abuse of speeclrand the press, common- 
ly called the sedition law ; together with the acts for raising- a small 
army, and imposing a direct tax and internal duties — all served to |tt» 
erease the oppositioa to the administration of Mr. Adara^-. 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 18? 

Two important subjects occupied the attention of the 
first session of Congress under Mi-. Jefferson's Presi- 
dency • the abolition of the internal taxes, and the re- 
neal of the act altering the United States' courts, and 
creating sixteen new judges. Both these subjects were 
debated a great length of time in both houses, with 
S eloquence, argument and warmth. The repeal- 
ine act was carried, and the internal taxes abohslied. 
Mq3 The intendant at New-Orleans .n violation 
of our treaty with Spain, denied to the United States 
the use of that port as a place of deposite. A propo- 
htonwas brought forward in the Senate for seizuig 
and holding tha? place by force. After an animated 
difcuss on this measure was abandoned : and, by 
fhe dtrect on of Mr. Jefferson, the whole country of 
LouSwas purchased of the French government, to 
ihom it had been transferred by Spain, for the sum of 

«ntof ''oracSnr-of some political altercation 
Genera! Hamilton was challenged to a duel by Aaroi 
Bar Vice President of the United States General 
H. Hilton fell. He was one of the ablest of men, and 
nM dliite ested of patriots. His death was the 
mo.t 'l'^;"^ //'r 3^,„.o,; to his personal and po it.ca 
MsfardTa/cel^lesstoa^epartof his political 

i:^^:£^i tried b( the Seiia., sit^ as a 

ttctrSi^LTorgrStonice- 

^f w^had been carried on between *e United St t 
and Tripoli, f-^-^^^-SpWr ,1 b'een' Side- 

srpr-ofppS'^^n,^^^^^ 



188 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

five'had laLrpkcf ' ^'"^««''^. bu, „othi.,g deci- 

s«ratS:;"ri'° St'^^^^ for several .ears con- 
1804, in search oflheeli^ PPu' '" *''^ «»""nn of 
bashaw of Tdp^lV the rShtfuf^ °' ""^u "'^ning 
who had- been forced froSiiTbv".h'' ""''"'^' 
Eaton having found thp pv Liu ^ ''^ ^e usurper, 
and a smalf detachment of rr'-P"''"'^'^'' «'«b hi>„ 
through the desert of Barca and'T'^r^' ^r^^'' ^^■ 
a sharp conflict, got possession „f f *'■ 'P""*^' ^'"'^^ 
the capital of a lafge D.ovh cl h 1 "^^ "'^ °^ ^<^'-"^. 
Tripoli. " P'o^^'ce belonging to the king of 

His forces were hpr^ cr» ;«^ i 

the ex-bashaw Tad become sn'"'"^' r^ "'^ '^"^-^ °f ' 
every prospect of beW able wlJh''.?''"'' *"* '"« '"d 
'he navy, to%educe Tfi.y of T to1;''^"-H''P^T'''" °' 
captives without ransom. ^ Mr L°'' "V'^! ^'■'^ '"'« 
been authorised to treat with .f • ^ b^'^' however, 
hearing of the succe ofhif bt'll.T'X^'^''''" ' ""^^ 
to terms of adjustment A *'"^ ^''o"' agreed 

hostilities ceasid ^ P'"'*' ""^^ concluded,^ and 

anXn'Tf grXoir t?"^^ ^^ '^^^^^ - 
western states from the Union ' f fP^ration of the 
New-Orleans. Thl p]a,;haH / ^" V"" ^."bJ"gation of 
lion, and his utmost exertion T-^ *'"'" '" eontempia- 
wanting to its a'clpSment"' "'"^'" ''=''' »°' t-'*" • 

wefe^Svt:ran'd''",;tt^^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^'^ P'-s 
were altogether thwarted. Burr wn, S"^^!;"™^'". 

-rd, then lyingT.tlvnnh?vA*' P''""^'' ^''■P ^eo- 
'd that sevei^l desertm wert t''^' }'^^'"'S ascerlain- 
.' Norfolk, con^-dXh; Co^ittert^ 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 189 

quested a surrender of them, or liberty to search the 
ship. This being refused, he applied to the Adminis- 
tration, and subsequently, to the mayor of Norfolk : 
but without success. 

The Chesapeake having proceeded to sea, and being 
just without the Capes of Virginia, the Leopard,- ac- 
cording to orders from Admiral Berkley, gave the 
Chesapeake two broadsides, when she struck her co- 
lours ; five men being killed and twenty-one wounded. 
Four deserters were taken from the Chesapeake, one 
only of the number demanded, when she was set at 
liberty. 

This affair occasioned a great sensibility throughout 
the Union ; and was deemed by a large portion of the 
people, in conjunction with other causes of complaint, 
sufficient to justify the President in calling an extra 
session of Congress, for the purpose of declaring war 
against Great Britain. 

The President issued a proclamation, ordering all 
British ships of war to quit the waters of the United 
States, and forbidding intercourse between them and 
the inhabitants. 

The British government expressed a deep regret at 
the encounter ; and promised, if on investigation the 
officers should be proved culpable, to make a prompt 
and eflectual reparation. A British mission to our go- 
vernment for the purpose of adjusting the affair was 
unsuccessful, 

A large number of American merchantmen were 
captured and condemned in the British courts, on the 
pretext that they were trading from the ports of one 
belligerent to those of another ; and from the colonies 
to the mother country of the belligerent, although the 
cargoes were first landed in the United States : nor 
were those rules of procedure promulgated till the de- 
cision of the admiralty courts. Remonstrances against 
these proceedings were forwarded to Congress from 
the merchants of the principal seaports in the Union. 

In the spring of 1806, Congress passed an act for- 
bidding the importation into the United States of sun- 



190 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

dry British articles ; the operation of which was con- 
ditionally suspended. In November, of the same year, 
Bonaparte issued a decree at Berlin, declaring all the 
British islands in a state of blockade, and prohibiting 
all intercourse with them.* This decree was in ex- 
press violation of the treaty between the United States 
and France, and of the laws of nations. 

The British government informed our minister at 
London, that if the American government submitted to 
this edict, a retaliation on her part would be the con- 
sequence. Orders in council were issued by the Bri- 
tish, in November, 1807, declaring France and her 
dependent powers in a state of blockade. 

Before, however, Congress had received notice of 
these orders in council, the non-importation act was put 
in force, and an indefinite embargo was laid on all 
American vessels, the 22d of December. Bonaparte, 
receiving information of the orders in coimcil, issued, 
at Milan, a decree, declaring every vessel denationali- 
zed which shall have submitted to a search by a British 
ship ; and every vessel a good prize, which shall sail to 
or from Great Britain, or any of its colonies, or coun- 
tries occupied by British troops. 

1809. James Madison was chosen President, and 
George Clinton was rechosen Vice-President. The 
embargo was repealed on the first of March, and an 
act passed interdicting commercial intercourse both 
with Great Britain and France. Should, however, 
either of the powers revoke their edicts, the President 
was authorised to renew the intercourse. 

An arrangement was made in April, with Mr. Er- 
skine, the British minister, in consequence of which the 
President proclaimed that commercial intercourse would 
be renewed on the 10th of June, The utmost satisfac- 
tion was felt throughout the Union ; which was, how- 
ever, succeeded by as great a disappointment. The 
British government declared that Mr. Erskine was not 

* The British government had issued an Order in Council, in the 
preceding May, declaring the ports and rivers from the Elbe to Brest, 
in a.state of blockade. 



MADISOx\'S ADMINISTRATION. 191 

authorised to enter into such stipulation, and refused its 
ratification. The non-intercourse with Great Britain, 
was of course renewed. 

Mr. Erskine was succeeded, as British minister, by 
Mr. Jackson ; who arrived at Washington early in 
September. A discussion immediately commenced be- 
tween him and the Secretary of State. After continu- 
ing sev^eral w^eks, it was suddenly closed, the Presi- 
dent refusing a continuance, on account of an alleged 
insult on the part of Mr. Jackson. 

In the course of correspondence, Mr. Jackson had 
said, that the executive could not but know, from the 
powers exhibited by Mr. Erskine, that he acted in some 
things without authority from his government. This 
was construed, on the part of the administration, into 
a declaration that the executive did know Mr. Erskine 
was acting without authority. Mr. Jackson denied the 
j ustice of such construction. All further correspondence, 
however, ceased ; and Mr. Jackson was recalled, but 
without censure on the part of his government. 

1810. Pretendedly to retaliate for interdicting from 
the harbours of the United States, vessels of war, be- 
longing to France, Bonaparte issued a decree at Ram- 
bouillet, by which all American vessels and cargoes, 
arriving in any ports of France, or of countries occu- 
pied by French troops, were ordered to be seized and 
condemned. 

In August, the French minister at Paris, informed 
the American minister, Mr. Armstrong, that the de- 
crees of Berlin and Milan were revoked, and would 
cease to operate on the first of November ensuing. To 
this positive declaration conditions were annexed, that 
rendered the revocation doubtful. The President, 
however, issued a proclamation, Nov. 2d, declaring 
that the decrees were revoked, and that the non-inter- 
course should cease between^ the United States and 
France. 

May, 1811. An unhappy engagement took place 
between the President, commanded by Capt. Rodgers, 
and a British sloop of war, the Litde Belt, command- 



192 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ed by Captain Bingham. It appeared that the Little 
Beit gave the first fire : her rigging was greatly dama- 
ged ; and she lost many men. 

Congress inet in November. The message of the 
President indicated the expectation of hostilities with 
Great Britain, should no change in our foreign rela- 
tions take place during the session. 

The committee of foreign relations, in the House of 
Representatives, brought forward, November 29, sun- 
dry resolutions for placing the country in a better state 
of defence. 

Information was received in Congress, of a severe 
battle, fought on the 7th of November, near a branch 
of the Wabash, called Tippacanoe, between an army 
under General Harrison, Governor of Indiana territo- 
ry, and a large body of hostile Indians ; in which the 
Indians were defeated, but with loss of nearly seventy 
killed, while upwards of a hundred were wounded. 

On Thursday evening, December 26, a most dis- 
^tressing calamity befel the city of Richmond. The 
theatre, which was, that evening, uncommonly full, 
suddenly took fire in the scenery ; and the flames spread 
with such rapidity, that before the audience were able 
to escape, about seventy persons were burnt to death, 
suffocated with smoke, or trodden to death in their 
endeavours to escape. Among the deceased were the 
governor of the state, the president of the bank, and 
other principal characters of the city. 

The resolutions of the committee of foreign relations 
were principally agreed to. The number of troops to 
be raised was a subject of much discussion. A bill 
from the Senate, was at length agreed to in the house, 
for raising twenty-five thousand. Other bills were 
passed, naval and military, preparatory to a state of 
hostilities. Most of the states, excepting those of New- 
England, passed legislative resolutions, or addressed 
the President or Congress, encouraging a war with 
Great Britain. 

February 18, 1812. The first object of the expect- 
ed war being the reduction of Canada and Nova-Sco- 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 193 

tia, the chairman of the committee of foreign relations, 
Mr. P. B. Porter, offered a I'csolutioii for raising, iu 
addition to the regular army, twenty thousand volmi- 
teers. He stated that the regular forces of Canada, 
amounted to six thousand, and the militia, neither well 
organized, armed nor disciplined, were about twenty 
thousand. 

He was confident, with the regular force, and the vo- 
lunteers, that Canada might be taken in a few weeks, 
excepting Quebec : that in a little time, they " could 
proceed at their leisure to the siege and reduction of 
Quebec :" — " a part of the forces could return to New- 
England, and with other forces proceed into the eastei-n 
provinces, and to Halifax, for the purpose of taking 
possession of them." The resolution was lost, forty- 
nine to fifty-seven. 

March 9. The President communicated to Congress 
the correspondence of a Captain John Henry, a British 
spy, with the governor of Canada, which had taken 
place three years before. Henry, at that time, resided 
in Boston, Suspicions were, for a short time, entertain- 
ed by some, that the spy was connected with some cha- 
racters of influence, in a plot to dismember the Union ; 
but not the least evidence appearing, the subject, after 
causing much sensation, in a short time died away. 

An act was passed, April 3d, for laying an embargo 
for ninety days. 

June 1. The President sent a message to both houses, 
recommending a war with Great Britain. The princi- 
pal grounds for war, as stated in the message, were r 
the impressmeiit of American seamen by the British; 
the blockading of the ports of their enemies, without an 
adequate forc€ ; the ordei^ iii council, and a suspicion 
that the Indians had been instigated to acts of hostility, 
hy British agents; 

The bill for declaring war passed the House of Re- 
presentatives, seven ty-nirje to forty-nine, on the fourth 
of June, and the Senate nineteen 4o thirteen, on the se- 
venteenth ; the next day it was signed by ihe President. 
Four days after, the de<:rees of Berlin and Milan hav- 

I 



194 HISTORY OF THE UxMTED STATES. 

ing been officially revoked in April, the orders in coun- 
cil were repealed. 

The minority in the House of Representatives enter- 
ed a long protest against the declaration of war. The 
subject of impressments, they declared, had once been 
satisfactorily adjusted between the British court and 
Messrs. Monroe and Pinckney, and though the treaty 
made by them was not ratified, the same terms might be 
obtained : official notice being given of the repeal of 
the French decrees, they entertained no doubt of the 
revocation of the orders in council : the blockading of 
enemies' ports, without an adequate force, was but a re- 
taliation for the same conduct on the part of the French : 
the French government was considered the first and 
the greater aggressor on neutral rights. 

The war, by the minority generally, was considered 
as impolitic, unnecessary^, and unjust, and produced, in 
a great measure, by the influence of France. By its 
supporters, it was pronounced unavoidable and just ; 
and undertaken without the least influence of the French 
government. 

The editors of the Federal Republican, of Baltimore, 
Messrs. Wagner and Hanson, having published som* 
severe strictures on the declaration of war, a mob assem- 
bled at night, tore down their office, destroyed the 
printing materials, and committed other outrages. The 
paper was some time after re-established at Georgetown, 
adjoining the city of Washington. A house was en- 
gaged in the city of Baltimore, from which to distribute 
the papers. 

The junior editor, A. C Hanson, with General H. 
Lee, General Lingan, revolutionary officers, and many 
others, having provided arms and ammunition, deter- 
mined, if attacked, to defend themselves in the exercise 
of their undoubted rights. In the evening of July 27th, 
a mob collected, and made an attack on the house, 
principally with stones. While forcing the door, seve- 
ral muskets were fired, by which two persons were kill- 
ed and several wounded. 

The military arriving, a compromise took place; 



WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. lyb 

and the persons in the h.ouse surrendered, on a promise 
of security and safety in the prison. The next night 
the mob re-assembled ; broke open the gaol, killed Ge- 
neral Lingan, mangled and bruised eleven others, eight 
of whom were thrown in a iieap in front of the gaol, 
supposed to be dead. Some of the ringleaders were 
afterwards tried, but escaped punishment. 

Aug. 20. Captain Isaac Hull, of the United States 
frigate Constitution, after an action of thirty minutes, 
captured the British frigate Guerricre, commanded b}' 
Captain Dacres. The loss of the Guerriere was fifteen 
killed, sixty-four wounded, ^nd twenty-one missing. 
On board the Constitution, seven were killed and seven 
wounded. 

General Hull,-with an army of about two thousand, 
(Aug. 15th) surrendered to a British, Canadian and In- 
dian force. General Hull was afterwards tried by a 
court-martial, for treason, cowardice, Sic. He was 
cleared from the charge of treason, but condemned to 
be shot on other charges. The sentence was approved, 
but the punishment remitted. 

About one thousand troops, commanded by General 
Van Rensselaer, crossed the river near Niagara, in No- 
vember, and attacked the British at Queenstown. 
They were at first successful, but, not being reinforced, 
they were, after a long and obstinate engagement, com- 
pelled to surrender. Sixty were killed, and about one 
hundred wounded. The British commander, General 
Brock, was killed. 

In November, the British sloop of war the Frolic, 
was captured, after a severe engagement, by the Wasp, 
commanded by Captain Jacob Jones. About thirty 
were killed, and fifty wounded, on board the Frolic : 
the American loss was five killed : five were wounded, 
but not dangerously. The W^asp was afterwards cap- 
tured by the Poictiers, a British seventy-four. 

Commodore Stephen Decaiur, of the United States, 
fell in with the British frigate Macedonian, off the West- 
ejfn Islands, and after an action of an hour and a half 
captured Iter. Her commander was Ca^ptaln John C«r- 



196 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

den. On board the Macedonian, thirty-six were killed 
and sixty-eight wounded : on board the United States, 
seven were killed and five wounded. 

In December, the Constitution, Commodore Bain- 
bridge, off the coast of Brazils, after an action of almost 
two hours, captured the British frigate the Java. The 
American loss was nine killed and twenty-five wounded : 
the British loss was sixty killed and one hundred and 
one wounded. 

1813. An action was fought at the river Raisin be- 
iwcen a detachment of the north-western army, com- 
manded by General Winchester, and a British and In- 
dian force, commanded by Colonel Proctor. A large 
number of Americans were killed and wounded ; and 
above five hundred made prisoners. The greatest part 
of the prisoners were inhumanly massacred by the In- 
dians, Proctor being unable, or unwilling to protect 
them, as he had expressly stipulated ! 

February 24. Captain James Lawrence, of the Hor- 
net, fell in with and captured the British sloop of war, 
the Peacock, commanded by Captain William Peak. 
Tiie action lasted but eight minutes. The British cap- 
tain and several others were killed, and twenty-nine 
wounded. On boai'd the Hornet, three were w^ounded.- 
The Peacock sunk soon after the action, carrying down 
thirteen of her own crew, and three Americans, who 
were assisting in removing prisoners and baggage. 

April. Messrs. Albert Gallatin and James A. Bay- 
ard, were appointed commissioners to proceed to Rus- 
sia, and, in conjunction with John Q. Adams, minister 
resident at St. Petersburg, meet such commissioners as 
should be sent by the British court, for the purpose of 
concluding a peace, through the mediation of Alexan- 
der, the emperor of Russia. 

York, the seat of government for Upper Canada, 
was taken possession of, by troops under command of 
General Dearborn, April 27. * When within sixiy rods 
of the main works of the British, an explosion took 
place from a magazine, previously prepared for tlie 
Durposc, by which about oue hundred xVnaericans were 



WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. 197 

killed; among whom was the commander of the de- 
tachment, General Pike. The British lost about six 
hundred, killed, wounded, and prisoners. 

The Chesapeake was Blockaded by the British dur- 
ing the spring, and several predatory excursions by 
their troops^ were made, at Havre de Grace, George- 
town, in Kent county, and Fredericktown, in Cecil 
county, (Md.) the villages being burnt, and much pro- 
perty plundered and destroyed. 

May 5. Several sorties v/ere made from fort Meigs 
against the British, in which the American loss was two 
hundred and sixty-six, killed and wounded. The fort 
was maintained. Four days after, the siege was raised. 

An attack was macre,May 29th, on Sacket's Harbour, 
by about one thousand British. The enemy was re- 
pulsed with considerable loss. General Brown com- 
manded the American, and Sir George Prevost th# 
British troops^ 

June 1. Captain Lawrence, who had recently been 
appointed to the command of the Chesapeake, thenl^^ing 
in Boston hai'bour, and pri^pared for sea, left the port in 
pursuit of the British frigate Shannon, commanded by 
Captain Broke, which had been for some time in the 
bay seeking an engagement vi^ith an American frigate. 

The action commenced about a quarter before six, 
P. M. By the first broadside the sailing master was 
killed, and Captain Lawrence niortall}^ wounded. In 
twelve minutes the Chesapeake was boarded and taken. 
The Shannon lost twenty-three killed, and fifty-six 
wounded. On board the Chesapeake the Captain and 
first Lieutenant were mortally wounded ; the fourth 
Lieutenant was killed and about fift}^ others : one hun- 
dred and four were wounded. Captain Lawrence surviv- 
ed four days, and was interred with naval and military 
honours at Halifax. His body was afterwards taken up, 
and brought to Salem, and carried thence to New-York 
where it was buried with much solemnity. 

^ort George, commanded by General Vincent, was 
taken by the American forces under General Boyd and 
Colonel Miller, (May 27th,) after a sharp conflict, in 



198 HISTOKY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

v» Inch the loss of the enemy was far greater than that 
of the United States' troops. 

An attack was made on Craney Island, near Norfolk, 
by the British, in which they were defeated with con- 
siderable loss. An engagement soon after took place 
at Hampton, of which the British, under Admiral Cock- 
burn, obtained possession for some time; and where it 
is said, the British troops were guilty of much wanton 
barbarii}^ 

A very gallant naval engagement took place, Sep- 
tember 10th on Lake Erie, between the British and 
American forces. The British force consisted of five 
vessels, having sixty-three guns. The American force 
consisted of nine vessels having fifty-four guns. The 
cnem}? commenced firing a little before twelve o'clock ; 
h) a few minutes the fire was returned. The long guns of 
tlie enemy were very destructive to the Lawrence, a brig 
of twenty guns, on board of which was Captain Perry, 
the commander of the squadron. Every brace and 
bowline of the Lawrence were soon cut away, and she 
became unmanageable. 

The Lawrence, in this situation, continued the action 
for two hours, till every gun was useless and the great- 
er part of the crew were killed or wounded. The wind 
rising, a little after two o'clock, enabled the Niagara 
(of 20 guns) to come into close action. Perry left the 
Lawrence, and in an open boat went on board the Ni- 
agara. Soon after, the Lawrence lowered her flag, but 
the enemy were unable to take possession. 

About three o'clock the Niagara, which had been 
but little injured, passed through the enemy's line, bore 
up and passed ahead of their two ships and a brig, giv- 
ing a raking fire from the starboard guns to them, and 
from the larboard side to a large schooner, and sloop. 
In a short time the whole force surrendered. The loss 
on tlie part of the American squadron, was one hiin- 
(h-ed and twenty-three killed and wounded : the British 
loss was much greater. 

Information of this victory was thus given to Gene- 
ral Harrison. 



WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. 199 

"Dear General. — We have met the enemy and they 
are ours. — Two ships, two brigs, one schooner and 
one sloop. Yours with great respect and esteem, 

" O. H. PERRY.'^ 

The American brig Argus, commanded by Captain 
Allen, was captured, xVugust 14th, in tiie British chan- 
nel, by the Pelican, after a sharp conflict, in which the 
American commander was mortally wounded. 

October. , Detroit was abandoned by the enemy, on 
the approach of a large army under General Harrison ; 
who soon after, with a superior force, defeated the ene- 
my under the command of General Proctor. 

The northern campaign for this season, ended with- 
out any thing very effective towards the conquest of 
Canada. Great preparations were made for subduing 
Upper Canada, and taking Montreal. This object 
was to be effected by the union of two divisions: one 
of about five tliousand, under the command of General 
Hampton, then in the vicinity of Plattsburg; the other, 
with about ^ight thousand, under the command of Ge- 
neral Wilkinson. 

General Hampton made a short incursion into Cana- 
da; but soon after retreated to this side the boundary 
line. A misunderstanding, or disagreement, arising 
between the two generals, the troops under Hampton 
did not join those under W^iikinson. The latter ge^ 
neral descended the St. Lawrence, in November, san- 
guine in his expectations of subduing Montreal. 

An engagement took place between a part of Wilkin- 
son's troops, about three thousand, under General Boyd 
and a detachment of the British under Lieut. Colonel 
Morrison, in which the Americans were repulsed, with 
the loss of upwards of three hundred in killed, wounded, 
and prisoners. The design of attacking Montreal was 
then relinquished, and the army wentinto winter quarters. 

The remaining forces were withdrawn from the Nia- 
gara frontier, the town of Newark being burnt, at the 
order of the commanding general. In retaliation for 
which, the British soon after crossed the river, burnt 
Buffaloe and some other villages, and laid waste the 
whole frontier. 



2Q0 HISTORY OF THE UxMTED STATES. 

The Creek Indians, who had for some time been in 
open hostilities with th« United States, were completely 
subdued this season and the succeeding spring, princi- 
pally by troops under the command of General Andrew 
Jackson. 

January, 1814. Jonathan Russel, Esq. and Henry 
Clay, Esq. were appointed commissioners, to join 
Messrs. Adams, Bayard and Gallatin, for the purpose 
of meeting such as might be appointed by the British 
government. Lord Gambier, Henry Goulbourn, and 
William Adams, were appointed by the court of St, 
James to meet them. The place for their assembling 
was first fixed at Gottenburg ; but afterwards changed 
to Ghent, in Flanders ; where they convened in August. 

The frigate Essex, commanded by Captain David Por- 
ter, after having captured a great number of the vessels 
of the enemy, mostly employed in the whale fishery, 
was herself captured, March 28th, in the bay of Val- 
parf»?so, by the British frigate Phebe, and sloop Cherub. 
The British force was vastly superior to the American j 
the defence was gallant and obstinate. 

April 29. After an action of forty-two minutes, the 
British brig Epervier surrendered to the Peacock. On 
board the Peacock two were wounded : the Epervier 
lost eight killed, and thirteen wounded. 

In the beginning of July, fort Erie was taken, with 
considerable loss to the British. A battle was fought 
at Chippewa, July 5, in which the American forces 
obtained a brilliant victory. A very sanguinary battle 
was fought, July 25th, at Bridgewater, by the Ameri- 
cans, under General Brown and General Scott, and 
the British, under General Drummond and General 
B-iall. The Battle lasted from four o'clock, P. M. till 
midnight. The British lost, in killed, wounded, and 
prisoners, nearly nine hundred. The American loss 
was less, and the American forces maintained their 
ground ; while the British retired. 

The town of Eastport, on one of the islands in the 
bay of Passamaquoddy, was taken by a large British 
naval force, 

From the 16th to the 20th of August, about sixty 



MW 



WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. 201 

sail of the British arrived in the Chesapeake. Above 
fifty of them lauded at Benedict, on the Patuxent, about 
forty miles from the city of Washington. Several ves- 
sels at the same time entered the Potomac. On the 
22dj the British flankers reached tiie Woodyard, tv/elve 
miles from Washington. A large flotilla of gunboats, 
commanded by Commodore Barnej^, were here blown 
up, to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy. 

On the 23d, the British forces, estimated at about six 
thousand, reached Bladensburg, about six miies from 
Washington. Here a short engagement took place ; but 
the greater part of the American miiitia fled. Arrived 
at the city, Commodore Barney, with a few eighteen 
pounders and about four hundred men, made a gallant 
resistance ; bat he was compelled to yield to numbers ; 
he was wounded and taken prisoner. The navy-yard 
was destroyed by order of the Secretary of the Navy. 

The British troops under General Ross, destro^^d 
the capitol, the President's house, and executive offices. 
In the night of the 2oth, tiie British retired, gained 
their shipping by rapid marciies, and re-embarked. 
The British loss, in killed, wounded and prisoners, 
was supposed to be nearly five hundred : the American, 
less than one hundred. Private property was gene- 
rally respected ; but the order to burn the public build- 
ings, reflects upon the commanding oflicer nothing but 
disgrace. 

The vessels that ascended the Potomac, under the 
command of Captain Gordon, arrived at Alexandria, 
and took from the defenceless inhabitants a vast quan- 
tity of flour and other plunder ; and escaped down the 
river with little molestation. 

Fort Erie was attacked by the British, August 14th, 
Lieut. General Drummond having the command. Af- 
ter a severe conflict, he was repulsed with the loss of 
five hundred and eighty-two, in killed, wounded and 
prisoners ; two hundred and twenty-one being killed. 
The American loss in killed and wounded was two 
hundred and forty-five. 

The British took peaceable possession of Castine, on 

I 2 



202 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the Penobscot, September 1st, with a large naval force. 
The next d?iy they proceeded to Hampden, about 
thirty-five miles up the river. The Corvette Adams, ly- 
ing here, was destroyed by her commander, Capt. Mor- 
ris, to prevent her falling into the enemy's hands. The 
sea-ports on the New-England coast being considered 
in danger, the militia were called out, and fortifications 
erected for their defence. 

After the capture of Washington, an attack was ex- 
pected upon Baltimore ; for which preparation was 
made. On Sunday, September I Itb, between forty and 
fifty ships were seen near the moittb of the Petapsco^ 
about twelve miles from the city. The larger vessels 
landed, at North Point, about seven tboiis^ind troopSj. 
under Major General Ross and Admiral Cockburn. 

An engagement took place, on Monday about one 
o'clock, ill whieh the Americans were repulsed by su- 
perior numbers. The engagement afterwards became 
]Dore general, though tlie British force was superior.. 
Oil Tuesday evening the enemy advanced to within twa 
miles of the American entreiiehments. So strong how- 
over was the American force, and so valiantly had they 
foaght the preceding day, that the attempt to gain pos- 
session o^f the city was abandoned, and the troops re- 
treated before mormng and hastily re-embarked» Ma- 
jor General Ross was killed. 

Early on the morning of Tuesday, a grand attack 
was made on fort McHenry, from frigates, bomb and 
rocket vessels, which continued through the day and 
the greater part of the night,, doing however but very 
little damage. In the night about a thousand o£ the 
British landed between the fort and the city, but were 
soon repulsed with great loss. 

In the fort, four were killed and twenty wounded. 
!Xhe loss of tiie enemy in the attack on the fort is not 
known. The whole American loss in killed, wounded 
and prisoners, was two hundred and thirteen. The 
British official account makes their loss in killed, 
wounded, missing and prisoners, two hundred and 
rJoety ; bat there is good reason for believing it to be 



WAft With great britaix. 203 

mnth more. The enemy thus discomfitted, moved 
down the bay. 

The Governor-General of Canada, Su' George Pre- 
vostj v^ith from twelve to fourteen thousand men, made 
an attack on Plattsburg, September 11. At the same 
time a naval engagement, on Lake Champlam, took 
place in sight of the land forces. The American naval 
force, having eighty-six guns and eight hundred and 
twenty-six men, was commanded by Mc Donough : 
the British naval force, consisting of ninety-iive guns 
and one thousand and fifty men, was commanded by 
Commodore Downie. 

The action began about nine o'clock, A. M. and 
continued two hours and twenty minutes, with obsti- 
nate gallantry on both sides. It ended in the surren- 
der of the British vessels, viz. one frigate, one brig, and 
two sloops of war. Some of their gallies were sunk ; 
others escaped. Of the Americans, fifty-two were killed , 
and fifty-eight wounded. Of the British, eighty-foui 
were killed, and one hundred and ten wounded. 

At the same time that the fleets were engaged, tlie 
British attacked the forts at Plattsburg, throwing shelh. 
balls and rockets. They attempted to cross the river 
Saranac, to assault the American works, but were re- 
pulsed in three different places, where the attempt was 
made. 

The fire of the enemy was returned with so much 
effect, that, before sunset, the batteries he had erected 
were all silenced ; and at nine o'clock, his whole army 
began a rapid retreat, leaving many of his wounded and 
much ammunition, provision and baggage^ The Ame- 
rican loss, in the engagement of this day,, and in skir- 
mishes previous, was thirty-nine killed, sixty-two 
wounded, and twenty missing. The toss of the British, 
in killed, wounded and desertions, was estimated \t two 
thousand five hundred. The American land forces 
were commanded by General Alex. Macomb. 

Soon after the declaration of war, measures were ta- 
ken to secure an ascendency on Lake Ontario, where 
the American force consisted of only a single vessel. 
This disposition at the principal port(Sacket*s Harbour) 



204 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

produced corresponding efforts by the enemy at Kings- 
ton, until several large ships were built in both ports, 
carrying from 20 to 60 guns. The American fleet was 
commanded by Commodore Ghauncey, and the British 
by Commodore Yeo. 

As each force became predominant, the command of 
the lake was surrendered to such force ; and such was 
the skill and sagacity of the commanders, that the in- 
ferior force could never be brought into a general ac- 
tion. A partial engagement once took place, but with 
little effect, as the Brjtish commander felt unwilling to 
hazard such a stake, and took advantage of circum- 
stances to make his port. One of the British vessels, 
ready for sea at the close of the war, mounted nearly 
one hundred guns ; and two of the largest class of ves- 
sels in the world, are now on the stocks at Sacket's 
Harbour. 

In a sortie from fort Erie, under the command of 
General Jacob Brown, after a severe engagement, the 
British were defeated, with the loss of nearly a thou- 
sand, in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The Ameri- 
can loss, in killed and wounded was upwards of five- 
hundred. 

October 8. A committee to whom was referred, in 
the legislature of Massachusetts, the speech of the go- 
vernor, Mr. Strong, made a report, recommending the 
organization of ten thousand troops, for the defence 
of the sea-board ; and the appointment of delegates, to 
meet such delegates as may be appointed by other 
states, to confer " on the subjects of their public griev- 
ances, and upon the best means of preserving their 
resources, and of defence against the enemy; and to 
4evise and suggest for adoption, by those respective 
states, such measures, as they may deem expedient; 
and also to take measures, if they shall think proper, for 
procuring a convention of delegates from all the United 
States, in order to revise the constitution thereof, &ic." 

In consequence of these resolutions, which were 
adopted, delegates were chosen in Massachusetts, Con- 
necticut and Rhode-Island. Vermont refused, and New- 



WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. 205 

Hampshire neglected to send. Two delegates were, 
however, elected by counties in the latter State, and 
one in the former. On the 15th of December the dele- 
gates met at Hartford. On the fourth of January they 
made a long report, concluding with the recommenda- 
tion of several resolutions for altering the constitution ; 
so that Representatives and direct taxes should be in 
proportion to the number of free persons ; that no new 
state be admitted into the union, without the concur- 
rence of two thirds of both houses of Congress; that 
no embargo be laid for more tl^n sixty days ; that 
commercial intercourse shall not be interdicted, nor 
war declared, without the concurrence of two-thirds of 
both houses of Congress ; that no person hereafter na- 
turalized shall be eligible as Senator or Representative ; 
that no President shall be twice elected, nor a Presi- 
dent twice chosen from the same state in succession. 

Provision was also made for calling another conven- 
tion, should the government of the United States refuse 
permission to the New-England states, separately or 
in concert, to assume upon themselves the defence of 
their territory, holding for the expense a reasonable 
proportion of the public taxes ; or should peace not 
take place ; or should the defence of the New-England 
states be neglected by Congi^ess as since the war. 

Peace soon after taking place, another convention 
was not called. The resolutions for amending the con- 
stitution were submitted to the Legislatures of the seve- 
ral states, and rejected with general unanimity. 

January 15, 1815. The frigate President, Commo- 
dore Decatur, sailed from N«w-l^ork on the 14th, and 
was the next day pursued by four frigates and a brig 
of the enemy. An engagement took place between the 
foremost of the pursuing vessels, the Endymion and the 
President. The Endym.ion, after a severe batde of two 
hours, was silenced and beat off. The Pomone and 
Teoedos, in three hours came up with the President, 
the other British vessels being close astern, and the Pre- 
sident was obliged to surrender. 

About this period the Constitution, commanded by 
Commodore^tuart, fell in with the Cyane and Levant, 



206 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

two British sloops of war, on the coast of Africa, and 
captured both in succession. The Levant was, how- 
ever, retaken before arriving in port. 

A very large British force entered Lake Ponchar- 
train, near New-Orleans, early in December, defeating 
after an obstinate conflict, the small American naval 
force' stationed there. The British forces were under 
the command of General Packeoham ; the American 
under that of Major General Andrew Jackson. 

Several skirmishes took place, in which the British 
were the far greater sufferers. On Sunday morning 
early, January 8, a grand attack was made by the 
British on the American troops in their entrenchments^ 
After an engagement of npwards of an hour, the enemy 
were cut to pieces to a degree almost beyond example, 
and fled in confusion, leaving on the field of batde 
their dead and wounded. 

The loss of the British was, killed seven hundred, 
wounded fourteen hundred, prisoners five hundred^ 
making twenty-iix hundred in the total. The Ameri- 
can loss in the engagement was seven only killed, and 
six wounded ! 

Sir Edward Packenham and Major General Gibbs, 
were among the slain. The attack was not renewed, 
and in a short time after the British left the coast. 

February 11. An English sloop of war, the Favour- 
ite, arrived at New-York, bringing the joyful intelli- 
gence that a treaty of peace had been signed at Ghent^ 
between the American and British commissioners, oa 
the twenty-fourth of December. On the 17th the treaty 
was ratified by the President and Senate.. To those 
who from the beginning had opposed the war, and to 
those who had been its strenuous supporters, tlie news 
of peace was received with equal, and with the highest 
satisfaction. 

None of the subjects for which, the war was avowed- 
ly declared were mentioned in the treaty ; which, be- 
sides the common expressions of peace and amity, only 
provided for tli^e adjustment of disputed or uncertain 
boundaries, and the restoration of territories and pos- 
sessions obtained by the contending powers. 



A 

BRIEF COMPENDIUM 

OF SOME OP THE PRINCIPAL EMPIRES AND STATES IN THE 



■•;^i4^4m<^ 



Notwithstanding the pretensions of the Chinese, with 
regard to their antiquity as a nation, and to the great 
antiquity of some of their books, there is scarcely a 
learned man, who does not believe the Pentateuch, or 
five first books of the Old Testament, to be the old- 
est writing in existence. 

From Moses we have the account of the creation of 
ilie world, (about 4000 years before the birth of Jesus 
Christ,) the transgression of Adam and Eve, the death 
of Abel, the deluge [B. C* 2348] the tower of Babel, 
the confusion of tongues, and consequent dispersion of 
the descendants of Noah, and other particulars, as re- 
corded in sacred history. 

These descendants scattered themselves throughout 
the neighbouring countries. Some settled Egypt, 
others the different kingdoms of Greece. Nimrod laid 
t\ie foundation of Babylon, the capital of the Chaldean 
Empire ; and Ninus of Nineveh, the capital of the As- 
syrian. Abraham [B. C. 1&31] was directed by the 
Almighty to proceed westward frofry the plains of Sliinar, 
and settle on the eastern borders of the Mediterranean, 
(the Holy land afterwards called:) and here this terri- 
tory was promised to him and bis offspring for ever, 
after the lapse of several centuries ofservitudein Egypt. 

The seiling of Joseph into Egypt, occasioned tlie re- 
moval of the Israelites to that country. The Israelites, 
[B. C. about 1500] left Egypt; and, after many years 
wandering, arrived at Jordan, the eastern boundary of 
the promised land. Here Moses and Aaron died. Jo- 

* These letters, B. C. mean— Befcro (he birth of Christ. A. D. Anno 
Doiniui, m the- year after his birth, 



2Qa A BRIEF COMPENDIUM 

sbua subdued the country; and the twelve tribes divi- 
ded and settled it. Here they continued, and were go- 
verned, upwards of three hundred years, by their mO" 
ral laws and those of the priesthood. 

Saul was their first king : [B. C. about 1 100.] Da- 
vid and Solomon succeeded. Soon after which, the 
tribes were divided. Those of Benjamin and Judah 
had their kings : the other ten tribes theirs. Nebuchad- 
nezzar carried into captivity, [B. C. 600] the two tribes 
of Benjamin and Judah ; the other ten tribes having 
long before, [B. C 720] been conquered by Psalma- 
nazer, king of Assyria, who overran their cities, spread- 
ing destruction every where, and carried his captives to 
Nineveh. These mingling with the Assyrians, were 
never more known or distinguished as the descendants 
of Jacob. 

After remaining in captivity about 70 years, the two 
tribes returned to Jerusalem. Here they, continued, of- 
ten greatly distressed, and engaged in many wars ; till 
they became subject to the Romans. Jesus Christ ap- 
pearing, they denied his Messiahship, and put hitn to 
death. Titus, the Roman general, [A. D. 70] destroy- 
ed the city of Jerusalem, and levelled it with the dust. 

From this period to the present moment, the Jews 
have been scattered amongst all nations of the globe, a 
distinct people, adhering to the laws of Moses, and the 
Jewish ritual ; having never a government of their own, 
but subject to the caprices, cruelties, and deprivations, 
of every government where they reside, or haveresided. 

ASSYRIA AND SYRIA. 

Tliese names^ by many ancient authors, have been 
often confounded. Syria has beeo more generally used 
for the countries between the Mediterranean and the 
Euphrates, Assyria, for that which lies between Me- 
dia, Mesopotamia, Armenia and Babylon. The Assy- 
rian was probably the oldest empire in the world. It 
is supposed to have flourished about 1200 years. Its 
founder was Ninus, or Belus ; the queen Semiramis 
was one of its greatest rulers. Babylon, the capital, 



OF EMPIRES AND STATES. 209 

situated on the banks of the Euphrates, was perhaps 
the largest city in the world. Cyrus, king of Persia, 
[B. C. 538] laid siege to it : Belshazzar, the king, hav- 
ing retired within its walls with twenty years' provision. 
The night, however, in which the hand writing appear- 
ed on the wall, Cyrus entered the city ; having dug a 
new channel, by which the Euphrates was turned into 
the Tigris, and the channel of the former river became 
dry. The kingdom was conquered, and united to that 
of Persia under Cyrus. 

In Babylon, died Alexander the Great. By Seleu- 
cus, one of his generals, it was made the capital of his 
kingdom, and continued among his descendants, the 
head of the Syrian empire, till the last of those de- 
scendants was dethroned by Pompey the Great, [B. C. 
65] when it was made a Roman province. 

EGYPT. 

By whom Egypt was first settled is uncertain ; more 
^ generally its settlement is attributed to Misraim ; but 
some authors contend that its first inhabitants were from 
Ethiopia. Among some learned writers, it is still a 
subject of dispute, whether its ancient inhabitants were 
white or black, or copper coloured. 

Though this renowned kingdom was for so many 
centuries the first in civilization and in the cultivation 
of the arts,, and so long maintained its high character, 
in extent of territory it scarcely surpassed the state of 
New-York. The Nile was the great source of its wealth, 
its populousness, and its power. This great river over- 
flowed annually its banks, to the height of about 25 
feet for several months, and left, on retiring, a richness 
of mud that rendered the land exceedingly fertile. 

So ancient is this country, that no historian knows 
when or by whom were built the vast pyramids, which 
remain, almost unchanged, to the present day : having 
stood, probably, nearly four thousand years. Egypt 
is said once to have contained 20,000 cities ; the chief 
of which was Thebes, Memphis and Alexandria. 

Carabyses, king of Persia, conquered Egypt : [B. 



210 A BRIEF COMPENDIUM 

C 525] the Egyptians, however, revolted, and were go- 
verned hy then' own kings, till the conquest by Alexan- 
der the Great. After which, Ptolemy and his succes- 
sors governed it, till Augustus [B. C. 30] made it a 
Roman province : the beautiful and the dissolute Cleo- 
patra, being the last of the race of the Ptolemies. 

Egypt continued a Roman province several centu- 
ries. It was conquered [A. D. 640] by Amrou. Tu- 
lais, Algiers, Tripoli, and the empire of Morocco, were 
made separate governments. The ancient boundaries 
of Egypt contain Jews, Christians, and Musselmen, or 
followers of Mahomet. The country is under nominal 
subjection to the Ottoman Porte, or, Mahometan Court 
of Constantinople. 

PERSIA. 

Under Cyrus, were united the Babylonian, Median, 
and Persian empires, [B. C. 536.] This country be- 
came subject to the Romans, and afterwards to the Ara- 
bians. The famous Genghis Khan, [A. D. 1190] from 
the north of Persia, subdued Persia, and the hither In- 
dia, to the borders of China : the Mogul's empire was 
established on his victories. 

Tamerlane, another Tartar prince, extended the Mo- 
gul's empire, [A. D. HOO.] KouliKhan, [A. D. 1732] 
a Persian prince, diminished the strength of the Mogul's 
empire, and established his own power in Persia. Ci- 
vil wars, from this time, have been common in Persia, 
which is at present governed by several independent 
sovereignties. 

GREECE. 

This territory is now called " Turkey in Europe." 
It is generally supposed to have been settled by emi- 
grants from Egypt and Phoenicia. Athens and Sparta 
were considered the eyes of this empire. Solon was 
the principal lawgiver to Athens, and Lycurgus to 
Sparta. The laws of Solon Were generally wise and 
merciful. Those of Lycurgus were arbitrary. In Spar- 
ta, the government established by Lycurgus was con- 



r«»:i.»uiii. ■i.ii.ai.imnfiy^j 



OF EMPIRES AND STATES. 211 

tiiMied about five centuries. It was impossible in Spar- 
ta for any man to be rich ; their current coin being 
iron, a bushel of wheat demanded a stout pair of oxen 
to carry to the vender the amount of sale. 

Literature, voluptuousness, dissipation, philosophy 
and folly, were the alternate and concomitant rulers of 
Athens for many centuries. Greece was divided into 
many states. Union among them was often sought ; 
and wise provisions made for its preservation. Local 
and political jealousies disunited these states. 

Probably the first instance of a general union of the 
Grecian States, for warlike or political purposes, was 
that which occasioned the famous Trojan war. The 
critical Bryant has introduced much learning and much 
argument to prove this war the issue of Homer's brain : 
but the literary world denounce his theorj^ 

The son of Priam, king of Troy, is supposed to have 
corrupted the beautiful Helen, wife of Menelaus, and 
carried her to Troy. By her husband's instigation 
and authorit}', all the states of Greece became his par- 
tizans. After a siege often years on the part of Greece 
against the city of Troy, by stratagem it was at length 
subdued. 

Xerxes, king of Persia, attempted the conquest of 
Greece, with an army, by different historians calcu- 
lated at two, and from thence to five millions of soldiers. 
He passed the Hellespont by a bridge of boats, and en- 
tered the plains of Greece. Leonidas, a Spartan prince, 
at the mountainous straight of Thermopylce, perform- 
ed wonders of valour. A naval action subsequently took 
place between the Persian and Grecian fleets, at Sala- 
mis, near Athens, in which the Persian fleet was defeat- 
ed ; and Xerxes returned to Persia with the fragment 
of an army, and the fullness of defeat and disgrace. 

The different states of Greece had frequent civil 
ivars, till they were defeated by Alexander the Great ; 
and they afterwards became subject to the government 
of the Romans. 

At present what was ancient Greece, is under the 
control of the Ottoman Porte of Constantinople, 



212 A BRIEF COMPENDIUM 

ROME. 

The Roman Empire extended, at and subsequent to 
the birth of Jegiis Christ, over the whole world as then 
known, excepting the eastern part of Asia. The city 
of Rome was founded by Romulus, 753 3^ears before 
the birth of Christ. Men only were its first inhabitants > 
The men and women of a neighbouring territory, the 
Sabines, were invited to a feast in this new, rude city, 
when the Romans seized on the Sabine women and each 
took to himself a wife by force.. 

After the death of Romulus, the city and then little 
Roman empire, was governed by kings about 250 years. 
The last king, Tarquin the Proud, so called, overcom- 
ing by force the conjugal chastity ef Lucretia, a Ro- 
man matron of the Patrician, or noble order, caused a 
rebellion which ended regal government. Instead of a 
king, two officers, called Consuls, were annually elect- 
ed, under whose authority the government was admi- 
nistered about 500 years, when Julius Caesar was made 
Dictator ; another name for King. 

The Romans for several centuries anterior to the 
dictatorship of Julius Caesar, were remarkable for the 
plainness of their habits, their military spirit, their con- 
quests, their civil dissentions, and the extension of their 
dominions. 

Carthage, a eity of much commerce and great opu- 
lence, was long the rival of Rome. After several long 
and bloody wars, this city, situated near where Tunis 
now stands, was destroyed by the Romans, B. C. 146. 
About this period, literature, with the arts and sciences, 
was introduced into Rome, from Greece, and generally 
cultivated. 

Fifty years before the Saviour's birth, Julius Caesai' 
and Pompey the Great, were Roman Consuls. Caesar 
after having gained many battles in France and Spain, 
discovered and partially subdued Great Britain, and re- 
turning from the west, made war on Pompey. A bat- 
tle was fought at Pharsalia, in which the arms of Caesar 
were victorious. After enjoying the supreme command 
about five years, he was murdered in the Capitok 



OF EMPIRES AND STATES. 2i3 

The murderers of Caesar, the principal of whom were 
Briitas and Cassias, engaged in a civil war with Mark 
Anthony, ^\^o was victorious at Phillippi. Subse- 
quently Octavius, a relation of Julius Csesar, after- 
wards the Emperor Augustus, defeated Anthony in a 
naval action, and became the first Emperor of Rome, 
To him succeeded many emperors ; most of them of 
the most dissolute character ; till A. D. 331, when the 
Emperor Constantine established the christian religion, 
destroying all the heathen temples, and removed the 
seat of government from Rome to Byzantium, then call- 
ed Constantinople, in honour of the emperor. 

Constantinople continued the capital of the Eastern 
Empire, so called in distinction from the Western Em- 
pire, the capital of which was Rome. The Eastern 
Empire continued till 1453, when it was conquered by 
Mahomet II. and has since been the seat of govern- 
ment of the Turidsh empire. 

About the year 800, Charlemagne, then Emperor of 
the West, delivered Rome and all Italy to the jurisdic- 
tion of the Bishop of Rome, who had long sustained the 
appellation of the pope; and by his successors, much 
of Italy has ever since been held, under the name of the 
Ecclesiastical States. 

CARTHAGE. 

The exact time when commenced the foundation of 
Carthage, the capital of the Carthaginian state, is not 
known. It is generally supposed to have been built by 
Dido, or Elisa, a Tyriau princess, 869 years before 
Christ. The husband of this princess is supposed to 
have been murdered by her broth§r-in-law, Pygmalion. 
Dido, however, contrived to escape from Tyre, and set- 
tled on the coast of Africa. 

The Carthaginians, as theji^iicreased in power, had 
many engagements with the ndghbouring states, all of 
which they subdued ; and at length extended their con- 
quests to Spain, Sicily and Sardinia; and became, and 
long continued the rivals of Rome. 

The Romans having beheld with jealousy the growth 



214 A BRIEF COMPENDIUM 

of Carthage, for almost three centuries, sought an op- 
portunity for the declaration of war, commonly called 
the first Punic war, B. C 264, which conthiued twenty- 
three years, and ended in a peace much to the advan- 
tage of the Romans. 

The second Punic war began, B. C. 218. The fa- 
mous Hannibal, with an army of 90,000 foot and 12,- 
000 horse, crossed the Rhone, the Alps and Appenines, 
with a determination to pursue his march to Rome. 
He was victorious in the battle at Cannae, in which 
45,000 Romans were slain : but the wines of Italy ener- 
vated his army ; the prudence of Fabius and the mili- 
tary skill of Scipio, prevailed over the diminished forces 
of Hannibal ; and after ] 7 years of war, a peace was 
concluded, most debasing on the part of Carthage and 
which greatly diminished her power, and destroyed the 
means of her increase. 

During fifty years of peace, the Carthaginians en- 
deavoured to repair their losses, and prepare for anoth- 
er encounter with their rivals. The third Punic war. 
commenced, B. C. 149. It was the determination of 
the Roman Senate, if possible, entirely to destroy the 
city of Carthage. This was effected, partly by force 
and partly by treachery. After offering terms of peace, 
(the principal of which was, that the Carthaginians 
should deliver up all their arms,) the Romans informed 
them that it was the decree of the Roman Senate, that 
their city should be destroyed. 

The Carthaginians were astonished at this treachery, 
and held out a long time ; but at length the city, 23 
miles in circumference, was set on fire, and burned 17 
days, and the Carthaginian power was completely de- 
stroyed, B. C. 147. Thus this city, long the seat of 
commerce, of wealth, and strength, the model of mag- 
nificence, and tlie storehouse of the riches of the world, 
was razed to its foundations, so that scarcely a trace of 
existence can be discerned. 



mMBna—MTOB— — 1 



OF EMPIRES AND STATES. 215 

CHINA. 

iVhatever may be the pretensions of the Chhiese/ 
nothing authentic respecting their history can be traced 
beyond the dynasty ofTu, before Christ about 2,000 
years. To defend themselves from the Tartars, the 
Chinese built a wall, 1500 miles in length. The Tar- 
tars passed the wall, A. D. 1635, and subdued China. 
The present emperor, is a descendant of the Tartar 
conquerors ; the ancient laws, habits and government 
of the Chinese, being embraced by the Tartar victors. 
A. D. 1692, the Pope sent missionaries to China, to 
convert the inhabitants to Christianity. 

They had much success, till suspected of interfering 
with the administration of government. The conse- 
quence of this suspicion was, A. D. 1742, the demoli- 
tion of all christian churches, and the total expulsion 
of the Jesuit missionaries from the country. 

The Chinese have no navy, nor merchant vessels. 
Their produce is sold to foreigners, who are their car- 
riers. Attempts have heen made, twice within thirty 
years, on the part of Great Britain, to establish a com- 
mercial treaty with the Emperor of China, but without 
success. Probably there is no other country in which 
every foot of ground is cultivated as in this. Our teas, 
of herbs equalling or excelling which there is an abun- 
dance in America, are brought from this country. The 
ware called Chinaj is or may be nearly equalled in Eu- 
rope or America. 

TARTARY. 

This country includes a vast extent of territory to 
the north. The inhabitants are descendants from the 
ancient Scythians. Their mode of life has ever been, 
as now, wandering. There imve been, and are, many 
cities of wealth and importaiftj ; but literature and the 
refinements of civilized society, are strangers to them. 
The horse is their companion, their servant, their 
wealth and their food. The whole country is now, 
and has long been, subject to the Emperor of Russia : 



216 A BRIEF COMPENDIUM 

and the present Emperor Alexander, is pursuing all the 
measures of wisdom, policy and goodness, to render 
this portion of his subjects useful, happy and honourable. 

HINDOSTAN. 

Five years after the discovery of America by Colum- 
bus, the Portuguese passed the Cape of Good Hope, 
and discovered the peninsula called India within the 
Ganges. Nine years after was made the settlement of 
Goa, on the Malabar coast. The first curse to civil and 
religious liberty was the establishment of the inquisition 
to this day there remaining, a monument of folly, bi- 
gotry and cruelty. In the year 1600 was first establish- 
ed, by the government of Great Britain, The East In- 
dia Company. Under this company, supported by 
the wealth, authority and arras of the British govern- 
ment, an immense empire has been added to the Bri- 
tish crown. 

FRANCE. 

It is generally agreed that, towards the close of the 
5th century, the Franks, with some Goths, Vandals, &;c. 
crossed the Rhine, from Germany, and settled in France 
under Faramond their leader. Their first king was 
Clovis. The Sai'acens invaded France in 751 ; but 
were repulsed by Charles Martel, one of the French 
kings. Charlemagne, in the beginning of the 9th cen- 
tury, got possession of France, Germany, part of Hun- 
gary, part of Spain, the low countries and most of Italy. 

Hugh Capet, a French nobleman, drove the reigning 
monarch from the throne, 987, which he transmitted to 
his descendants, in whose possession it has ever since 
continued, the usurpation of Bonaparte excepted. Henry 
IV. in the 16th century was one of the greatest mo- 
narchs of France Tbis king was stabbed by a bigot 
named Ravaillac, The reign of Louis XIV. which 
began in 1643, and ended 1715, was the longest and 
most splendid. During this long reign, the arts and 
sciences, the belles lettres and general literature, asto- 



OF EMPIRES ANt) STATES. 



~u 



iJishingly increased. Louis XV. reigned from 1715 to 
] 774 ; when Louis XVL was crowned, who w^as be- 
headed in 1793. 

The French revolution commenced in 1789, in which 
3^ear the Bastile, a famous state prison, was destroyed. 
The National Assembly pssuraed the government, 1790 • 
great mobs and massacres took place in 1791 and 1792. 
Jan. 21, Louis was beheaded, haviug been condemned 
by a majority of 13, out of 721 : and his queen was be- 
headed the next month. The Dauphin, or king's old- 
est son, is supposed to have been poisolied in 1795. 
The next year Bonaparte became general in chief of 
the army of Italy. He continued successful in various 
engagements with the neighbouring powers, till 1799, 
when he established a Consular government, himself at 
tiie head. In 1804 he was made emperor ; and in 1810 
divorced his wife, and married a daughter of tlie Em- 
peror of Germany. 

Till 1812, success the most astonishing attended the 
arms of Napoleon. Ambilious to master all Euiope, 
in the summer of this year he marched into Poland, 
and thence to Russia, with an army of 6 or 700,000 
men, to overcome Alexander, Emperor of Russia, who 
had opposed his views of universal empire. With con- 
siderable loss he effected his passage to Moscow, the 
former capital of the Russian empire. This ancient 
city was burnt by the Russians, to prevent giving the 
French any succour. The Russian winter commenced, 
with unusual severity, and the French were obliged to 
attempt a retreat. Before this once vast army had 
reached Smolensk, about 200 miles, most of them w^ere 
destroyed by the arms of the Russians, and the severi- 
ty of the season ; so that not 100,000 ever returned to 
their homes. Napoleon, who had run aw'ay from, his 
army, persuaded the French government to aiford hini 
another army, with which he took the Held in the spring 
of 1813. He was defeated at the battle of L'ejpsicj,/ 
pursued by the allies to Paris,' compelled to resign the 
imperial crown, and retire to Elba, a small island in 

K 



218 A BRIEF COMPENDIUM 

the Mediterranean; and Louis XVIII. a brother of 
Louis XVI. was placed on the throne of France. 

Early in thej ear 1815, Bonaparte escaped from Elba, 
and got possession of Paris, the king flying before him. 
The allies, English, Russian, German, Prussian, &c. 
were soon in arms to oppose him. At the memorable 
battle of Waterloo, on the confines of France, Bona- 
parte was overcome by the troops of the allies, com- 
manded by the immortal Duke of Wellington. He lied 
to Paris, and subsequently surrendered to the English, 
Louis XVIII. resumed the sceptre. 

After due consultation, it was resolved to send the 
ex-emperor to St. Helena, a small island in the Atlantic, 
about halfway between America and Africa, where he 
has ever since remained, a stupendous example of de- 
feated ambition. 

SPAIN. 

Spain was known to the Carthaginians several cen- 
turies before Christ. It became subject to the Romans at 
the end of the second Punic war, 200 years before Christ, 
and so continued till the downfall of the Roman empire 
in the fifth ccnturj'. 

The kingdom of Spain was founded by the Visi 
Goths, 467. For three hundred years after, it was a 
scene of butchery, superstition and division. In the 
eighth century, it was in a great measure conquered by 
the Moors, from the opposite coast of the Mediterra- 
nean, in Africa; and was divided into petty kingdoms, 
till united under Ferdinand tlie Great, 1027. The 
Moors were expelled in the fifteenth century; at the 
latter end of which Columbus succeeded in persuading 
Ferdinand and Isabella to patronise his projected voy- 
age over the Atlantic, westward ; by which he was ena- 
bled to discover a new world. 

' The discovery of America induced adventurers to ex- 
plore the country. Silver and gold were found in 
abundance, which at first enriched, and subsequently 
enervated Spain. Lender Charles I. (Emperor of Ger- 



Ill iWIMI 1 1 ■*■— 



OF EMPIRES AND STATES. 219 

many afterwards) and Philip II. in the sixteenth centu- 
ry, no kingdom in Europe possessed equal resources. 

Spain, from the abundance of its wealth, gradually 
lost its strength, and became, from one of the first, one 
of the secondary, and that a weak, power of Europe. 
Bonaparte, 1808, entrapped their king, Ferdinand VII. 
and kept him long in confinement. He declared war 
against the Spanish, and endeavoured to place his bro- 
ther Joseph, on the Spanish throne. The Spaniards 
resisted, and the contest continued, (the British, with 
troops under the command of Wellington, assisting the 
Spaniards,) till Bonaparte was defeated at the battle of 
Leipsic in 1813. Ferdinand VII. was restored to his 
throne, which he continued to disgrace by bis weakness, 
bigotry, and ingratitude, to those through whose means 
he was restored. 

In January, (1820) a revolt commenced in the army ; 
and in March, the king was obliged to order the convo- 
cation of the assembly of the Cortes, as in 1812; the 
abolition of the Inquisition ; and to accede to a consti- 
tutional government ; guaranteeing the freedom of the 
press, the rights of the people, and defining the power 
of the monarch. 

GERMANY. 

This country was known to the Romans long before 
the birth of Christ ; and Tacitus, a Roman historian, 
has described the manners, customs and superstitions of 
the people. It was rightly afterwards denominated the 
Northern Hive ; as thence issued those swarms of bar- 
barians that at length overthrew the Roman empire, in 
the fifth century. Charlemagne may be said to have 
founded the German empire, A. D. 800. In about a 
century after, the descendants of Charlemagne ceased to 
rule, and Conrad I. became emperor. From that time 
to the present, Germany has been divided into a great 
number of principalities, '&c. though under a general 
head, and has been engaged in various wars with the 
Turks and different christian powers. 

Tfce present emperor, Francis II. sided with the allies, 



220 A BFvIEF COMPENDIUM 

in 1813, against his soii-iii-law Bonaparte: by doing 
which, he perhaps turned the scale against him, and 
certainly acted well his part in producing a permanent 
peace ia Europe. 

RUSSIA. 

This vast empire, now exceeding in extent three 
times that of the Roman empire in its highest state of 
territorial authority, was little known till the time of Pe- 
lev the Great. This monarch, at the close of the seven- 
teenth, and beginning of the eighteenth century, per- 
formed more than any other monarch for the civilization, 
prosperity and happiness of his country. He built the 
city of Petersburg ; he introduced the arts and sciences, 
and invited learned men into his empire ; he commenced 
a navy and improved his army. In brief, in the field 
and in the cabinet, he has had kw equals. 

His descendant, Catharine H. from 1763 to 1796, 
notwithstanding her many foibles, rendered immense 
service to Russia. Alexander, now on the throne, has 
been well stiled the Deliverer of Europe ; for, by his 
opposition to the lawless ambition of Bonaparte, his 
arms, courage, fortitude and energy, the forces of the 
imperial ruler of France were destroyed, and the bless- 
ings of universal quiet ensured.* 

ENGLAND. 

Julius Caesar passed from France, then called Gaul, 
to the island of Great Britain, about fifty years before 
Christ. He could not be said to have conquered the 
island ; but shortly after, it was subdued by the Ro- 
mans, and continued under their government till A. D. 
450, when the Roman legions were withdrawn, to de- 
fend Rome against the incursions of the northern bar- 
barians. These being withdrawn, the Scots and Picts 
made incursions into England, laid waste the country, 
and drove the inhabitants in every direction before their 
victorious arms. 

" 1821 — These blessings, late events show us, are ensured only by 
crushing- every revohuioa fivourablc to the i-ights of man. 



OF EMPIRES AND STATES. 221 

Thus distressed, the Britons invited to their assistance 
the Saxons, from Germany. These conquered the Scots 
and Picts, and, after long contest with the natives, or 
Britons, finally subdued them, A. D. 584. The coun- 
try was then divided by them into seven separate king- 
doms, called the Saxon Heptarchy. 

Egbert, king of Wessex, united the seven kingdoms 
under his own authority, 827. The Norman^ and 
Danes, however, continually harassed the country. Al- 
fred, than whom a greater or better monarch never 
swayed the sceptre of England, witli great military 
skill, foresight, fortitude and courage, at length succeed- 
ed in ridding the kingdom of all his enemies, the Danes 
being completely subdued. He died, 901 , having fought 
fifty-six pitched battles; founded the University of Ox- 
ford and other seminaries, established wise laws, and 
laid the foundation of the trial by jury and the present 
British Parliament. J? 

After a long contest between the Danes and the kings 
of England, the Danes were at length victorious, and 
Canute the Dane obtained the kingdom, 1017. Under 
Harold, his successor, England was invaded by William 
of Normandy, commonly called William the Conquer- 
or, 1066, and was completely subdued, Harold being 
slain in the famous battle of Hastings. The desceixl- 
ants of William have ever since held the throne of Eng- 
land. 

William H. succeeded his father, built the Tov/-' 
er, London Bridge and Westminster Hall, and ge- 
nerally pursued the path of his father in his government, 
till 1100, when he was accidentally shot by an arrow. 
Henry I. his brother, succeeded, and reigned with 
great ability thirtj^-seven years. Stephen, grand- 
son of the Conqueror, succeeded, and after a (ew years 
was expelled by Henry H. who reigned with great 
talents, and great misfortunes, defeating the Irish 
and the Scotch, but unhappy in a quarrel with his prin- 
cipal ecclesiastic, Thomas a Becket, and in the unduti- 
ful rebellion of his sons. 

Richard I. succeeded his father. This prince eTi- 



222 A BRIEF COMPENDIUM 

gaged in the crusades to recover the Holy Land from 
the hands of infidels ; was courageous but unsuccessful ; 
and was seized in Austria, on his return ; but afterwards 
ransomed by bis subjects for 300,000?. sterling, and 
.subsequently mortally wounded in an engagement. His 
brother John succeeded ; who had frequent contentiohs 
with his barons ; to whom he was obliged to grant the 
famous Magna Charta, by the English considered as 
the foundation of their liberties. Henry III. suc- 
ceeded his weak and unprincipled father. In a contest 
with his subjects he was dethroned by Leicester ; but 
afierwards restored. His son, Prince Edward, after an 
expedition to the Holy Land, returned and succeeded 
his father, 127 L He subdued Wales, and added it to 
his crovvn. Twice he subdued the Scotch; who as of- 
ten revolted, under Wallace and Bruce ; and in his 
third attempt on Scotland he died. Much was done by 
this great monarch in favour of the; laws and liberties 
of his subjects. 

His son, the Prince of Wales, (so called because born 
in Wales, and whence has descended the title to the 
king's oldest son,) succeeded his father, 1307. This 
weak monarch, instead of continuing the war against 
Scotland, sufiered the Scotch to invade England. He 
was deposed and put to death in a barbarous manner. 
His son, Edward III. invaded France, and fought 
the famous battle of Cressy, in which he was victorious, 
*.vith the assistance of the young Prince of Wales. Can- 
non were here first used. Some years after, France 
was again invaded by the English, under the command 
of a gallant and virtuous Prince of Wales, who subdued 
the French at the batde of Poictiers ; took their king 
prisoner, and brought him to London 1356. This best 
of princes died 1376, and his father the next year. 

Richard II. the late king's second son, now 
mounted the throne. He quelled some insurrections ; 
and while he was engaged in war in Ireland, his cousin, 
afterwards Henry IV. whom he had previously banish' 
ed, returned and obtained possession of the crown : 



OF EMPIRES AND STATES. 223 

Richard as is generally supposed, was murdered in 
Pomfret Castle. 

Henry IV. after living in the midst Ox^ disaffection, 
civil wars and misery, died, 1413. His son, Henry V. 
invaded France ; gained the famous battle of Agin- 
court ; married the daughter of the French king', at 
whose death he was to receive the crown of Fra^ice ; 
returned to England, and died, 1420, leaving one son, 
afterw^ards Henry VI. then nine months old. 

During the reign of this weak prince, commenced the 
long continued contest between the houses of York and 
Lancaster. Henry was deposed, and Edward IV. a 
descendant from Edward HI. through the house of 
York, reigned six years ; when Henry recovered his 
throne ; but died, or was privately nuudered the next 
year, 1471. Three years after, died Edward IV. leav- 
ing the throne to his son, Edward V. who died young. 
The infamous Duke of Gloucester, afterwards the ac- 
cursed Richard IH. was chosen regent. The Earl of 
Richmond, of the house of Lancaster, descendant from 
the widow of Henry V., who had married Sir Owen 
Tudor, invaded England, from France, defeated Ri- 
chard, at the famous battle of Boswortb ; was crown- 
ed ; married Elizabeth, daughter of Edward IV. of 
the house of York ; and thus, by uniting the two houses, 
put an end to the civil wars. 

During the reign of Henry VII. Christopher Colum- 
bus discovered America. His son, Henry VIH. wrote 
against Luther, and received from the Pope the title of 
Defender of the Faith. This monarch was capricious 
and cruel ; yet, by throwing off papal authority, he ren- 
dered great service to the protestants. He had six 
wives, two of whom he beheaded, and two he divorced, 
and left three children, 1547. His son, Edward VI. 
came to the throne at nine years of age, and reigned 
but a few years ; when his daughter, the bloody Mm y, 
so called, in whose reign John Rogers was burnt, held 
the sceptre above five years ; and was succeeded by his 
other daughter, Elizabeth. 

This famous princess reigned with great ability and 



224 A BRIEF COMPENDIUM, &c. 

splendour, till 1601 ; when after having beheaded Ma- 
i'y> Q'Jeen of Scots, and established the protestant reli- 
gion, she was succeeded bv James VI. of Scotland, and 
First of England, a descendant by marriage from the 
royal farriliy of England. He was succeeded, 1825, 
hy his son, Charles I. Charles had great'contentions 
with his parliament, and was at length, after much civil 
war, beheaded, 1649. 

Oliver Cromwell, under the name of Protector, was 
at the head of the British government ^bout ten 3'ears. 
Charles 11. 1660, succeeded his father, and died in 1685. 
His brother, James II. reigned a few years, and then 
abdicated the throne. William of Orange, who had 
married Mary, daughter of James II. was called to the 
tbrone. ¥/iliiam III. died 1702, and was succeeded by 
Anne, another daughter of James 11. In 1714, on the 
death of Queen Anne, parliament invited to the throne 
George,Electorof Hanover, who had married a descend- 
ant of Charles 1. the nearest protestant heir. He reign- 
ed till 1727, when his son, George II. succeeded : who 
held the sceptre till 1761 ; when he was succeeded by 
his grandson, George III. who died in 1820. 

Soon after his accession to the throne, commenced 
the disputes with America, which led to the American 
revolution. The threatening aspect of the French re- 
volution, induced the British to take up arms against 
the French. This war continued, with little intermis- 
sion, about twenty years ; when it was finally closed, 
1815, by the total discomfiture of Bonaparte, at the 
battle of Waterloo : and though it greatly increased the 
national debt, while it established, in a great measure, 
the peace and the liberties of Europe, it added splen- 
dour to the arm}^ and navy, from their numerous and 
important achievements. 

George IV. the present monarch, is the oldest son of 
the late king. He had been regent since 1811, 



OF EMPIRES ANt) STATES. 



225 



SOVEREIGNS OF ENGLAND. 



880 

910 

925 



The union of the Heptarchy, 
under Alfred the Great, who 
may be fairly styled the first 
English monarch, and laid 
the foundation of the govern- 
ment, . 

Alfred was succeeded by his 
son, Edward the Elder, 

Athelstan, 

Edmund, 

Edred, . 

Edwy, . 

Et'lgar, 

Edward, the Martyr, 

Etheldred, 

Edmond Ironside, . 

Canute the Dane, Danish, line, 1017 James I. 

Harold Harefoot, Danish line, 1035 Charles I- 



Henry III. 

Edward I. 

Edward II. 

Edward III. 

Richai-d II. 

Henry IV. 

Henry V. 

Henry VI. 

Edward IV. 
941 1 Edward V. 
948 Richard III. 
955 Henry VII. 
959 Henry VIII. 
975 Edward VI. 
978 Mary 
1016;Elizabeth, 



Hardicanute, Vanish line, 
Edward the confessor, 
Harold, . . • • 
William the Conqueror, Dan 

ish line, 
William Rufus 
Henry I. 
Stephen, 
Henry II. 
Richard I. 
John, 



1039 1 Charles II. . 

104l!JamesII. 

1066 1 William and Mary, 

^ Ann, 
1066jCTeorge I. 
1087 George II. 
1100 ^George III. . 
1135 Regency of the Prince 
1154 1 Wales, 
11 89: George IV. . 
1199 



of 



SOVEREIGNS OF FRANCE. 



Pharamond led his Franks 
over the Rhine, in the fifth 
century ; from wliom de- 
scended Ciovis — who com- 
menced his reign ^ 

The next sovereign worthy of 
notice was Clotair I. • 

Clotair 11. 

Dagobert, 

Ciovis 11. 

Pepin Heristel, 

Charles Mart el, 

Pepin son of Charles, 

E7id of the first race of kings 

Charlemagne, 

Lewis, Debonnaire, 

Lothario, 

Lewis II. 

Charles the Bald, 

K2 



486 

511 
613 
632 
644 
690 
714 
751 

771 
814 
S40 
855 

875 



Lewis the Stammerer, 

Lewis IV. 

Charles the Fat, 

Charles III. . 

Robert, " . 

Rodolph, 

Lewis the Stranger 

Lothario II. 

Lewis V. 

End rf the second race of 
Hugh Capet, 
Robert, 
Henry I. 
Philip, . 
Lewis VI. 
Lewis VIL 
Philip II— styled August, 
Lewis VIII. . 
Lewis IX. » > 



1216 
1273 
1307 
1326 
1377 
139tf 
1413 
1442 
1460 
1483 
1463 
1485 
1509 
1546 
155cJ 
155S 
1602 
1625 
1648 
1685 
1688 
1703 
1714 
1727 
1760 

ISll 
1820 



877 

S79 

884 

898 

923 

923 

93G 

954 

966 

kings. 

987 

996 

1031 

1059 

1106 

1137 

1180 

1223 

1226 



226 



A BRIEF COxMPENDIUM, &c. 



Phihp III— styled Hardy, 1271 Lewis XII. 

Phihp iy_styled the Fair, 1285, Francis I. 

Lewis X. . . . 1314 Francis IL 

i^^"'- • • . 33ir,:CliarlcsIX. 

rhilip\ —surnamedtheLon^, 1316] Henry HI. 

Charles IV— styled the Fair, 1322 .'Henry IV 

Philip VL . . . 1328 Lewis XIII. 

•'°^""- ■ 13501 Lewis XIV. ten 



Edward III. of England— by 
consanguinity, and by con- 



quest, 
Charles V. 
Charles VI. 
Charles VII. 
Henry VI. of England, 
Lewis XI. 
Charles VIII. . 



1357 
1364 
1380 
1422 
1430 
1461 
1483 



Crowned, 
Lewis XV. 



yeai 



of age, 



1498 
1515 
1559 
1560 
1574 
1589 
1610 
1643 
1654 
1715 



Lewis XVL— Guillotined in the 
revolution. . . 1774 

Lewis XVII. aged eleven years 
— Poisoned in the revolution. 1795 

Napoleon Bonaparte, Empe- 
^or, .... 1804 

Lewis XVIII. crowned, . 1814 



Peter I. 

Catherine I. 

Peter II. 

Anne, 

John the Infant, 

Elizabeth, 



SOVEREIGNS OF RUSSIA. 



1682! Peter HI. 
1725 Catherine IL 
1727 Paul, 



1730 
1740 
17411 



Alexander, 

now on the throne, 



1762 
1763 
1796 

1800 
1822 



PRESIDENTS AND VICE-PRESIDENTS 
THE U. STATES OF AMERICA. 

Presidents. 
George Washington, . 1789 
re-elected, 1793 
1797 
1801 
1805 
1809 
1813 
1817 
18211 



OF 



Joha Adams, 
Jhon3«s Jefferson, . 

re-elected, 
Jan^es Mudison, 

re-elected, 
JaEpe^ Monroe, . 

re-elected, 



Vice-Presidents. 




John Adams, . 


1789 


re-elected, 


1793 


Thomas Jefferson, . 


1797 


Aaron Burr, . 


1801 


George Clinton, 


1805 


re-elected. 


1809 


Elbridge Gerry, 


1813 


Daniel D. Tompkins, 


1817 


re-elected, 


1821 



-«— ^ll^-L.—..,.,. .|p!l, ■Ili,1|,| 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 



OF 



REMARKABLE EVEKTS, DISCOVERIES AND INVENTIONS. 



Before 

Chris! . 

The creation of the world, and Adam and Eve, . . . 4004 

The birth of Cain, 4003 

The old world is destroyed by a deluge, continuing 377 days, 2348 
The tower of Babel is built by Noah'^s posterity, about 2247 

Ninus, th€ son of Belus, founds the kingdom of Assyria, which 
lasted above 1000 years, and out of its mins were formed 
the Assyrians of Babylon, those of ISineveh, and the kingdom 

of the Medes, 205& 

Joseph dies in Egypt, which concludes the book of Genesis, 

containing a period of 2369 years, ICSfi 

Aaron born in Egypt,^ 1574 

Cecrops brings a colony of Saites from Egypt into Attica, and 
begins the kingdom of Athens, ...... 1556 

Cadmus carried the Phognician letters into Greece, and built 
the Citadel of Tliebes,. . . . . . 1493 

IMoses performs a number of miracles in Egypt, and departs 
from that kingdonr, together with 600,000 Israelites, besides 
children; which completed the 430 years of sojourning, . 1491 
The Olympic games celebrated at Olympia in Greece, . . 1463 
The Pentateuch, or five first books of Moses, are written in the 

land of Moab, where he died the year following, aged 1 10, . 1452 
Tlie Israelites, after sojourning in the wilderness forty years, are 
led under Joshua into the land of Canaan, and the period of 

the sabbatical year commence.?, 14G1 

The rape of H^len by Paris, which gave rise to the Trojan war, 1 193 

David is sole king of Israel,^ 1048 

The temple is solemnly dedicated by Solomon, . . . 1004 
Elijah, the prophet, is^ translated to heaven, . , . 89G 

Money first made of gold and silver at Argos, . . . 894 

The city of Carthage, in Africa, founded by queen Dido, . 8G9 

The kingdom of Mace Jon begins, . . . . . 814 

Era of the building of Rome in Italy, by Romulus, first king 
of the Romans, . . . ... . . 753 

Samaria taken, after three years siege, and the kingdom of Is- 
rael finished by Salmanasar, king of Assyria, who carries the 

ten tribes into captivity, 720 

The city of Jerusalem taken after a siege of 18 months, . 687 

Gyrus the first king of Persia, 559 

The kingdom of Babylon terminates, 538 ; that city being taken 
by Cyrus, who issues an edict for the return of the Jews, .. 636 



jsasmimm 



228 A CPIRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

Xerxes the Great, king of Persia, begins his expedition, against 
Greece, ,. . . 4S1 

The histoiy of the Old Testament finishes about . . . 430 

Alexander the Great, king- of Macedon, conquers Darius king of 
Persia, and other nations of Asia, 331. Dies at Babylon, and 
his empire is divided by his generals into four kingdoms, 

Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of Egypt, employs seventy-two in- 
terpreters to translate the Old Testament into the Greek lan- 
g-aage, which is called the Septaagint 284 

The fust Punic war begins, and continues 23 years. The chrono- 
logy of the Arundelian marbles composed, . . . 264 

Carthage, the rival of Rome, is razed to the ground by the 
Romans, 146 

The Alexandrian library, consisting of 400,000 valuable books, 

burnt by accident, 52 

Ca!?ar,thc greatest of the Roman conquerors, after having fought 
fifty pitched battles, and slain 1,192,000 men, and overturned 
the liberties of his country, is killed in the senate-house, 44 

The battle of Actium fought, in which Mark Antony and Cle- 
opatra arc totally defeated by Octavius, nephew to Julius 
Ctesar, .......... 35 

Alexandria, in Egypt, is taken bj/ Octavius, upon which Antony 
and Cleopatra put themselves to death, and Egypt is reduced 
to a Roman province, . . . . . . . 30 

The temple of Janus is shut by Augustus as an emblem of uni- 
versal peace, ......... ib. 

JESUS CHRIST, is born 

Jfter 
Christ. 

JESUS CHRIST is baptized in the wilderness by John, 27 

" is crucifled, and rises again on the third day, 33 

Rome set on fire, and burned for six days ; upon which began 
(under Nero) the first persecution against the Christians, . 64 

Constantine the Great begins his reign, .... 308 

The tenth persecution ends by an edict of Constantine, who fa- 
voiu's the Christians, and gives fidl liberty to their religion 313 

The first general council at Nice, when 318 fatliers attended, 
against Arius, where was composed the famous Nicene creed, 
which we attribute to them, ...... 825 

Constantine orders all the heathen temples to be destroyed, 331- 

Romc taken and pkindered by Alaric, king of the Vi^i-Goths, 410 

The Romans reduced to extremities at home, withdraw their 
troops from Britain, and never return, .... 426 

Attila (surnamed the scourge of God) with his Huns, ravages the 
Roman empire, . , \ . . . 447 

Clovis, king of France, baptized, a«d Christijniity begins in that 

kingdom, , . 496 

'J'he power of the Popes, by the concessions of Phocas, empe- 
ror of the East, begins, ... .... 606 

iVIahomet, the false prophet, flies from Mecca to Medina, . 622 

Jerusalem is taken by the Saraxens, . . . . . 637 

Charlemagne, king of France, begins the empire of German}^, 
afterwards called the western empire ; and gives the present 
names to thp ^vinds and the mcnth?. ..... 800 



A CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE, 229 

The Danes begin their ravages in England, . , . 867 

Alfred the Great, after subduing the Danish invaders, founds the 

university of Oxford, about . . , , . . ggj) 

The university of Cambridge founded, ' . . . . t)i5 

Paper made of cotton rags was in use, 1000 ; that of jinen, 11^0 
Leo IX. the first pope that kept up an army, . . . . 1054 

The Tvirks take Jerusalem from the Saracens, . . . 1065 
Musical notes invented, ....... 1070 

Glass windows began to be used in houses in England, . 1180 
Pope Alexander III. compelled the kings of England and France 

to hold the stirrups of his saddle when he mounted his horse, 1181 
The battle of Ascalon, in Judaea, in which Richard, king of En- 
gland, defeats Saladin's army, consisting of 300,000 men, 1192 
Chimneys were not known in England, . . . . 1200 

Magna Chartais signed by king John and the barons of England, 1215 
The Tartars, a new race of heroes, under Gingis-Khan, emerge 
from the northern parts of Asia, and oveiTun all the Saracen 

empire, 1227 

The houses of London, and other cities in England, France and 

Germany still thatched with straw, 1233 

The mai'iner's compass invented, or improved, by Gioia, . 1302 
Gunpowder and guns first invented by Swarts, a monk of Co- 
logn, 1340; Edward III. had four pieces of cannon, which con- 
tributed to gain him the battle of Cressy, 1346 ; bombs and 
mortars were invented the same year. 
Johii WickliiTe, an Englishman, begins to oppose the errors of 
the church of Rome with great acuteness and spirit. — His fol- 
lowers are called Lollards, 1362 

The Vatican Library founded at Rome, .... 1446 

Constantinople taken by the Turks, which ends the eastern em- 
pire, 1123 years from its erection by Constantine the Great, 
and 2206 years from the foundation of Rome, . . . 1453 
America first discovered by Columbus, a Gienoese, in the service 

of Spain, • • 1492 

Martin Luther began the Reformation, . . • • ^oii 

Pius first used in England, (before which time the ladies used 

skewers,) . ~^- . . • • • ]'?^^ 

First law in England, establishing mtcrest at ten per cent. lo46 

The great massacre of Protestants at Paris, .... 1572 
Mary queen of Scots is beheaded by orderof Elizabeth, . loiu 
The Spanish Armada destroyed by the English, . . . lo88 
Watches first iK-oui^ht into England from Germany, . . io^l 
The massacre of 40,000 English Protestants, in Ireland . 1640 

Charles I. (aged 49) beheaded at Whitehall, January ,50, . IMy 
Cromwell assumes the protectorship, • _^ • •_ • • ]'l^: 
^ The Plague rages in London, and carries ofi" ^>S 000 persons . i^o 
The great fire of London, which destroyed 18,000 houses, . j W.6 

Tea first used in England, .^^^.^ 

The habeas corpus act passed, . • ' ^, ' ■ v \ -.„'*. i(;^(^ 
A comet appeared so near our earth a^ to aiarm^l^ :nhab,la..t., ..0 
Bayonets first used bv the French in the battle ox x tirni, . 1*^- '^ 

Russia, formerly a diikedom, is established as an empuv, . - • -^ 

I- ouli Khan usurps the Persian throne, .J.ij- 

Geo)-'^e Washington born February Z'^, .... 



230 A CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

Westminster bridge, which cost 389 ,000^ finished . . 1750 

146 Englishmen are confined in the black hole at Calcutta, East- 
Indies, by the Nabob, and 123 found dead next morning, 1756 
General Wolfe is killed in taking Quebec from the French, 1759 
First Congress of the American colonies, at Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1773 
First Petition of Congress to the King, November, , , 1773 

Battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775 

George Washington appointed General and Commander in Chief 
of the Amei'ican Armies, June 15, ..... 1775 

Battle at Bunker's Hill, June 17, . . , . . . 1775 
Declaration of Independence by the colonies, July 4, . . 1776 
General Burgoyne surrendered October 17, .... 1777 

Earl Cornwallis surrendered at York-town, Vir. October 19, . 1781 
Admiral Rodney gains a victory over the French fleet, April 12, 1782 
American colonies are acknowledged by his Britannic majesty, 

free, sovereign, and independent states, Nov. 30, . . 1782 

Washington proclaimed first President of the U. S. A. April 30, 1789 
Revolution in France — capture of the Bastile, July 14, . , 1789 

The French declare war against England and Holland, Feb. 1, 1792 
Louis XVIth of France, beheaded, same year. 

The glorious victory of the Nile, achieved by Nelson, Aug. 1, 1798 
General George Washington died, December 14, aged 68, . 1799 
Treaty of Peace between Germany and France, Feb. 9, . 1801 
War commenced between France and Great Britain, July, . 1803 
Unexampled tempest, began September 1, . . . . 1804 

Bonaparte crowned emperor by his holiness the Pope, . 1804 

Great victory over the French fleet by Nelson, October 21, 1805 

Surrender of the Danish fleet to Lord Nelson, . . . 1,807 
Attack upon U. S. frigate Chesapeak — same year. 
War declared by U. S. against Great Britain, . . . 1812 
Surrender of General Hull's army — capture of the Guerriere — 

Macedonian and Java — Battle of Queenston, same year. 
Loss of the Chesapeak — Capture of the British fleet on Lake 
Erie — Burning of Moscow — Destruction of the French army, 
in Russia, ......... 1813 

Paris surrenders to the allies — Bonapai-te abdicates and retires 
to Elba — Battle of Bridgewater — Washington captured — Sur- 
render of the British fleet on Lake Champlain, . . 1614 
Battle of New-Orleans — Peace with Gteat Britain — return of 
Bonaparte to Paris — Battle of Waterloo — Louis XVIIIth re- 
istorcd— Bonaparte sent to St. Helena, .... 1815 






fe 



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CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES. 231 



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CONSTITUTION 



OF THE 



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j.AS PROPOSED BY THE CONVENTION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA 
17tH SEPTEMBER, 1787? AND SINCE RATIFIED BY THE SE- 
VERAL STATES, WITH THE SEVERAL AMENDMENTS THERHTO. 



WE, the people of the United States, in order to form 
a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure domestic 
tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote 
the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty 
to ourselves and our p osier ity, do ordain and establish 
this Constitution for the United States of America, 

ARTICLE I. 

Sect. 1. ALL legislative powers herein granted shall 
be vested in a Congress of the United States, which 
shall consist of a senate and house of representatives. 

Sect, 2. The house of representatives shall be com- 
posed of members chosen every second year, by the 
people of the several states, and the electors in each state 
shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the 
most numerous branch of the state legislature. 

No person shall be a representative who shall not 
have attained to the age of twenty-five years, and been 
seven years a citizen of the United States, and who shall 
not when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in which 
he shall be chosen. 

Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned 
amon^ the several states which maybe included within 
this Union, according to their respective numbers, which 
shall be determined by adding to the whole number of 
free persons, including those bound to service for a 
term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three- 
fifths of all other persons. The actual enumeration 
shall be made within three years after the first meeting 
of the Congress of the United States, and within every 



234 CONSTITUTIOxN OF THE 

subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they 
shall by law direct. The number of representatives 
shall not exceed one for every thirty-thousand, but each 
state shall have at least one representative ; and until 
such enumeration shall be made, the state of JS'eW' 
Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three — Massachu" 
sets eight — Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations 
one — Connecticut five — A''ew-York six — New- Jersey 
four — Pennsylvania eight — Delaware one — Maryland 
six — Virginia ten — North- Carolina five — South-Ca- 
rolina five — and Georgia three. 

When vacancies happen in the representation from 
any state, the executive authority thereof shall issue 
writs of election to fill such vacancies. 

The bouse of representatives shall choose their speak- 
er and other officers ; and shall have the sole power of 
impeachment. 

Sect, 3. The senate of the United States shall be 
composed of two senators from each state, chosen by 
the legislature thereof, for six years ', and each senator 
shall have one Vote. 

Immediately after they shall be assembled in conse- 
quence of the first election, they shall be divided as 
equally as may be into three classes. The seats of the 
senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expir- 
ation of the second year, of the second class at the ex- 
piration of the fourth year, and of the third class at the 
expiration of the sixth year, so that one-third may be 
chosen every second year; and if vacancies happen by 
resignation or otherwise, during the recess of the legis- 
lature of any state, the executive thereof may make 
temporary appointments until the next meeting of the 
legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. 

No person shall be a senator who shall not have at* 
tained to the age of thirty years, and been nine years a 
citizen of the United States, and who shall not when 
elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he shall 
be chosen. 

The Vice-President of the United States shall be pre- 



UNITED STATES. 235 

sident oi tne senate, but shall have no vote, unless they 
be equally divided 

The senate shall choose their other officers, and also 
a president protempore, in the absence of the Vice-Pre- 
sident, or when he shall exercise the office of President 
of the United States. 

The senate shall have the sole power to try all im- 
peachments. When sitting for that purpose, they shall 
be on oath or affirmation. When the President of the 
United States is tried, the chief justice shall preside ; 
and no person shall be convicted without the concur- 
rence of two-thirds of the members present. 

Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend 
further than to removal from office, and disqualification 
to hold and enjoy any office of honour, trust or profit 
under the United States ; but the party convicted shall 
nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, 
judgment and punishment according to law. 

Sect. 4. The times, places and manner of holding 
elections for senators and representatives, shall be pre- 
scribed in each state by the legislature thereof; but the 
congress may at any time by law make or alter such 
regulations, except as to the places of choosing senators. 

The congress shall assemble atleastoncein every year, 
and such meeting shall be on the first Monday in De- 
cember, unless they shall by law appoint a diflerent day. 

Sect. 5. Each hoflse shall bethe judge of the elec- 
tions, returns and qualifications of its own members, 
and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do 
business ; but a smaller number may adjourn from day 
to day, and maybe authorised to compel the attendance 
of absent members, in such manner, and imder sucU 
penalties as each house may provide. 

Each house may determine the rules of its proceed- 
ings, punish its members for disorderly behaviour, and 
with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member. 

Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, 
and from time to time publish the same, excepting such 
parts as may in their judgments require secrecy, and 
tl^e yeas and nays of the members of either house on 



236 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

any question, shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those 
present be entered on the journal. 

Neither house, during the session of Congress, shall, 
tvithout the consent of the other, adjourn for more than 
three days, nor to any other place than that in which 
the two houses shall be sitting. 

Sect. 6. The senators and representatives shall re- 
ceive a compensation for their services, to be ascertain- 
ed by law, and paid out of the treasury of the United 
States. They shall in all cases except treason, felon)'^, 
and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest dur- 
ing their attendance at the session of their respective 
houses, and in going to and returning from the same ; 
and for any speech or debate in either house, they 
shall not be questioned in any other place. 

No senator or representatis'^ shall, during the time 
for v.'hich he was elected, be appointed to any civil of- 
fice under the authority of the United States, which shall 
have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have 
been increased during such time; and no person hold- 
ing any oiSce under the United States, shall be a mem- 
ber of either house during his continuance in office. 

Sect.l. Ail bills for raising revenue shall originate 
in the house of representatives ; but the senate may 
propose or concur with amendments as on other bills. 

Every bill which shall have passed the house of re- 
presentatives and the senate, shall, before it become a 
law, be presented to the President of the United States : 
if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return 
it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall 
have originated, who shall enter the objections at large 
on their journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If af- 
ter such reconsideration two-thirds of that house shall 
agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the 
objections, to the other house, by which it shall like- 
wise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of 
that house, it shall become a law. But in all such cases 
the votes of both houses shall be determined by yeas 
and nays, and the names of the persons voting for and 
against the bill shall be entered on the journal of each 



UNITED STATES. 23? 

house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned 
by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted) 
after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall 
be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless 
the congress by their adjournment prevent its return, 
in which case it shall not be a law. 

Every order, resolution, or vote to which the con- 
currence of the senate and house of representatives may 
be necessary (except on a question of adjournment) 
shalLbe presented to the President of the United States; 
and before the same shall take eil'ect, shall be approved 
by him, or, being disapproved by him, shall be repassed 
by two-thirds of the senate and house of representa- 
tives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed 
in the case of a bill. 

Sect. 8. The congress shall have power — 

To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, 
to pay the debts and provide for the common defence 
and general welfare of the United States; but all du- 
ties, imposts, and excises, shall be uniform throughout 
the United States ; 

To borrow money on the credit of the United States ; 

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and 
among the several states, and with the Indian tribes; 

To establish an uniform rule of naturalizing, and 
uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies through- 
out the United States ; 

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of 
foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and mea- 



sures 



1 0:3 , 

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the 
securities and current coin of the United States ; 

To establish post-offices and post-roads ; 

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, 
by securing for limited'^times to authors and inventors, 
the exclusive right to their respective writings and dis- 
coveries ; 

To constitute tribunals inferior to the supreme court; 

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed 
on the high seas, and offences against the law of nations ; 



238 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, 
and make rules concerning captures on land and water; 

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation 
of money to that use shall be for a longer term than 
two years ; 

To provide and maintain a navy ; 

To make rules for the government and regulation of 
the land and naval forces ; 

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute 
the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and re- 
pel invasions : 

To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining 
the militia, and for governing such part of them as may 
be employed in the service of the United States, reserv- 
ing to the states respectively, the appointment of the 
officers, and the authority of training the militia ac- 
cording to the discipline prescribed by congress ; 

To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases what- 
soever, over such district (not exceeding ten miles 
square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the 
acceptance of congress, become the seat of government 
of the United States, and to exercise like authority over 
^11 places purchased by the consent of the legislature 
of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection 
of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock-yards and other 
needful buildings ; — And 

To make all laws which shall be necessary and pro- 
per for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, 
and all other powers vested by this constitution in the 
government of the United States, or in any department 
or officer thereof. 

Sect. 9. The migration or importation of such per- 
sons as any of the states now existing shall think proper 
to admit, shall not be prohibited by the congress prior 
to the year one thousand eight hundred and eiglit, but 
a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not 
exceeding ten dollars for each person. 

The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not 
be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion oi' in- 
vasion, the public safely may require it. 



TJNITED STATES. 239 

Nobill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed. 

No capitation, or other direct tax shall be laid, unless 
in proportion to the census or enumeration herein be- 
before directed to be taken. 

No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from 
any state. 

No preference shall be given by any regulation of 
commerce or revenue to the ports of one state over 
those of another ; nor shall vessels bound to, or from 
one state, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in 
another. 

No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in 
consequence of appropriations made by law ; and a 
regular statement and account of the receipts and ex- 
penditures of all public money shall be published from 
time to time. 

No title of nobility shall be granted by the United 
States : — and no person holding any office of profit or 
trust under them, shall, without the consent of the con- 
gress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title 
of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or fo- 
reign state. 

Sect. 10. No state shall enter into any treaty, alli- 
ance, or confederation ; grant letters of marque and re- 
prisal ; coin money ; emit bills of credit ; make any 
thing but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of 
debts ; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or 
law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any 
title of nobility. 

No state shall, without the consent of the congress, lay 
any imposts or duties on imports or exports, except what 
may be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection 
laws; and the net produce of all duties and imposts, laid 
by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use 
of the treasury of the United States; and all such laws 
>sliall be subject to the revision and control of the con- 
gress. No state shall, without the consent of congress, 
lav any duty of tonnage, keep tropps, or ships of war 
in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact 
with another state, or v»'ith a foreign power, or engage 



240 CONSTITUTIOxN OF THE 

in war, unless actually invaded, or in such eminent 
danger as will not admit of delay. 
ARTICLE II. 

Sect. 1. The executive power shall be vested in a 
President of the United States of America. He shall 
hold his office during the term of four years, and, to- 
gether with the Vice-President, chosen for the same 
term, be elected as follows : 

Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the le- 
gislature thereof may direct,a number of electors, equal 
to the whole number of senators and representatives to 
wliich the state may be entitled in the congress, but no 
senator or representative, or person holding an office 
of trust or profit under the United States, shall be ap- 
pointed an elector. 

The electors shall meet in their respective states, and 
vote by ballot for two persons, of whom one at least 
shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with them- 
selves. And they shall make a list of all the persons 
voted for, and of the number of votes for each ; which 
list they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to 
the seat of government of the United States, directed 
to the president of the senate. The president of the 
senate shall, in the presence of the senate and house of 
representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes 
shall then be counted. The person having the greatest 
number of votes shall be the President, if such number 
be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed; 
and if there be more than one who have such majority, 
and have an equal number of votes, then the house of 
representatives shall immediately choose by ballot one 
of them for President ; and if no person have a majori- 
ty, then from the five highest on the list, the said house 
shall in like manner choose the President. But in 
choosing the President, the votes shall betaken by states, 
the representation from each state having one vote ; a 
quorum for thi« purpose shall consist of a member or 
members from two-thirds of the states, and a majority 
of ail the states shall be necessary to a choice. In 
Q.\QYy case after the ciioice of the President, the person 



^^_illi 



UNITED STATES. 24i 

^ having the greatest number of votes of the electors shall 
be the Vice-President. But if there should remain two 
or more who have equal votes, the senate shall choose 
from them by ballot the Vice-President.* 

The congress may determine the time of choosing 
the electors, and the day on which they shall give their 
votes ; which day shall be the same throughout the Unit- 
ed States. 

No person, except a natural born citizen, or a citizen 
of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this 
constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President ; 
neither shall any person be eligible to that office who 
shall not hav^* attained to the age of thirty-five years, 
and been fourteen years a resident within the United 
States. 

In case of the removal of the President from office, or 
of his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the 
powers and duties of the said office, the same shall de- 
volve on the Vice-President ; and the congress may by 
law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, 
or inability, both of the President and Vice-President, 
declaring what officer shall then act as President, and 
such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be 
removed, or a President shall be elected. 

The President shall, at stated times, receive for his ser- 
vices, a compensation, which shall neither be increased 
nor diminished, during the period for which he shall 
have been elected, and he shall not receive within that 
period any other emolument from the United States, or 
any of them. 

Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall 
take the following oath or affirmation : — " I do solemnly 
swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office 
of President of the United States, and will to the best of 
my abilit3^, preserve, protect and defend the constitution 
ef the United States." 

Sect. 2, The President shall be commander in chief 
of the army and navy of the United States j and of the 

* See 2,2th amendment J p. 24r. 
L 



242 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

iTiilitia of the several states, when called into the actual 
service of the United States ; he may require the opi- 
nion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the 
executive departments, upon any subject relating to the 
duties of their respective offices, and he shall have pow- 
er to grant reprieves and pardons for offences against 
the United States, except in cases of impeachment. 

He shall have power, by and with the advice and con- 
sent of the senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds 
of the senators present concur; and he shall nominate, 
and by and with the advice and consent of the senate, 
shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and 
consuls, judges of the supreme court, and all other of- 
ficers of the United States, whose appointments are not 
herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be esta- 
blished by law. But the congress may by law vest the 
appointment of such inferior officers, as the}^ think pro- 
per, in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in 
the heads of departments. 

The President shall have power to fill up all vacan- 
cies, that may happen duriiigthe recess of the senate, by 
granting commissions which shall expire at the end of 
their next session. 

Sect. 3. He shall from time to time give to the con- 
gress information of the state of the Union, and recom- 
mend to their consideration such measures as he shall 
judge necessary and expedient: he may on extraordi- 
nary occasions, convene both houses, or either of them, 
and in case of disagreement between them, with respect 
to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to 
such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive am- 
bassadors and otlier public ministers; he shall take care 
that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commis- 
sion all the officers of the United States. 

Sect, 4. The President, Vice-President, and all civil 
officers of the United States, shall be removed from of- 
fice on impeachment for and conviction of treason, 
bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. 



UNITED STATES 243 

ARTICLE III. 

Sect. 1. The judicial power of the United States, 
shall be vested in one supreme court, and in such infe- 
rior courts as the congress may from time to time or- 
dain and establish. The judges both of the supreme 
and inferior courts, shall hold their ofBces during good 
behaviour, and shall, at stated times, receive for their 
services a compensation, which shall not be diminished 
dating their continuance in office. 

Sect. 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases 
in law and equity, arising under this constitution,- the 
laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which 
shall be made under their authority ; to all cases affect- 
ing ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls ; to 
all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to 
controversies to which the United States shall be a par- 
ty ; to controversies between two or more states, between 
a state and citizens of another state, between citizens of 
different states, between citizens of fhe same state claim- 
ing lands under grants of different states, and between 
a state or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens 
or subjects. 

In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public mi- 
nisters and consuls, and those in which a state shall be 
a party, the supreme court shall have original jurisdic- 
tion. In all the other cases before-mentioned, the su- 
preme court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to 
law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such re- 
gulations as the congress shall make. 

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeach- 
ment, shall be by jury ; and such trial shall be held in 
the state where the said crimes shall have been commit- 
ted ; but when not committed within any state, the trial 
shall be at such place or places as the congress may by 
law have directed. 

Sect. 3. Treason against the United States, shall 
consist only in levying war against them, or in adheriag 
to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No 
person shall be convicted of treason unless on the tes- 



244 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

timoiiy of two witnessies to the same overt act, or oh 
QOiifession in open court. 

The congress shall have power to declare the punish- 
ment of treason, but no attainder of treason shall work 
corruption of blood, or forfeiture, except during the life 
of the person attainted. 

ARTICLE IV. 

Sect. 1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each 
state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceed- 
ings of every other state. And the congress may by 
general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, 
records and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect 
thereof. 

Sect. 2. The citizens of each state shall be entitled 
to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in the 
several states. 

A person charged in any state with treason, felony or 
other crime, who shall flee from justice, and be found in 
another state, shall on demand of the executive autho- 
rity of the state from which he fled, be delivered up, to 
be removed to the state having jurisdiction of the crime. 

No person held to service or labour in one state, un- * 
der the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall in con- 
sequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharg- 
ed from such service or labour, but shall be delivered 
up on claim of the party to whom such service or la- 
bour may be due. 

Sect. 3. New states may be admitted by the con- 
gress into this Union : but no new state shall be formed 
or erected within the jurisdiction of any other state ; nor 
any state be formed by the junction of two or more 
states, or parts of states without the consent of the le- 
gislatures of the states concerned, as well as of the con- 
gress. 

The congress shall have power to dispose of and make 
all needful rules, and regylations respecting the territory 
and other property belonging to the United States ; 
and nothing in this constitution, shall be so construed 
as to prejudice any claims of the United States, or of 
any particular state. 



HHH 



UNITED STATES. 24^ 

Sect. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every 
State in this Union, a republican form of government ; 
and shall protect each of them against invasion ; and 
on application of the legislature, or of the executive 
(when the legislature cannot be convened) against do- 
mestic violence. 

ARTICLE V. 

The congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses 
shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to 
this constitution, or on the application of the legislatures 
of two-thirds of the several states, shall call a conven- 
tion for proposing amendments, which, in either case, 
shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this 
constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three- 
fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three- 
fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratifi- 
cation may be proposed by the congress ; Provided, 
That no amendment which may be made prior to the 
year one thousand eight hundred and eight, shall in 
any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the 
ninth section of the first article; and that no state, 
without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suf- 
frage in the senate. 

ARTICLE VI. 

All debts contracted, and engagements entered into, 
before the adoption of this constitution, shall be as va- 
lid against the United States under this constitution, as 
under the confederation. 

This constitution, and the laws of the U. States which 
shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties 
made or which shall be made under the authority of the 
United States, shall be the supreme law of the land ; 
and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, any 
thing in the constitution or laws of any state to the cori- 
trary notwithstanding. 

The senators and representatives before-mentioned, 
and the members of the several state legislatures, and 
all executive and judicial officers, both of the United 
States and of the several states, shall be bound by oath 
or affirmation, to support this constitution : But no 



246 CONSTITUTION OF THE 

lUltT '""' '^1 r '^'' ^'' ^^^"^^^d as a qualification te 
any office or public trust under the United States 

, ARTICLE Vll. 

I he ratification of the conventions of nine states chill 
be sufficient for the establishment of this cmmitudon 
between the states so ratifying the same '^"'^^^"^^^" 

AMENDMENTS. " 
*nf r- -^fv-, ^«"g^ess shall make no law re- 

specting an establishment of religion, orprohibitfnl he 
free exercise thereof or abridging the' freelm of p^eed 
a selw^^'"'.'. ^^'^^^-.^'^S'^^tof the people peaceab^ly t 
orSnc"^^ ^'"""^ '''' governmentVor a red.ess 

iieclLtttnT''''^*. A well regulated militia being 
peon le n 1 '^'" ZT^ ^^ " ^^^^ ^^^^^' '^'' ^^^^^'^ ^^^'^^^e 
^ X.- 7 r^.'"? ^^^/ ^'"^^ ^^^^" "«t be infringed. 

^r^^cZe ^Ae ^/r.rd No soldier shall in time of'p^ace 
be quartered m any house without the consent of the 

s~i bTL^.'"^ ^'^^^'' ^- - ^ '^— ^^ ^- P- 

seirf in t •^''''^- ^^^ '^'^'^^^ "^ '^' P^^P^- ^- be 
«ecu.e m their persons, houses, papers and effect. 

against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be 
V oJated ; and no warrants shall issue but upon proba- 
t^le cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and parti- 
cularly describing the place to besearched, and the per- 
sons or things to be seized. 

^^rtich the fifth. No person shall be held to answer 
lor a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a 
presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in 
cases arising m the land or naval forces, or in the miii- 
tia when in actual service in time of war or public dan- 
ger ; nor shall any person be subject to the same offence 
to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall 
be compelled m any criminal case, to be witness against 
himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property, 
without due process of law; nor shall private property 
be taken for public use without just compensation. 

Article the sixth. In all criminal prosecutions, the 
accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public tri- 



iHtti 



UNITED STATES. " 247 

al, by an impartlai jury of the state and district wherein 
the crime shall have been committed, which district shall 
have been previously ascertained by law, and to be in- 
formed of the nature and cause of the accusation ; to be 
confronted with the witness against him ; to have com- 
pulsory^ process for obtaining witnesses in his favour, 
and to have the assistance of coiiEsel for his defence. 

tflrticle the seventh. In suits at common law, where 
the value in contro'% ersy shall exceed twenty dollars, 
the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no 
fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in 
any court of the United States, than according to the 
rules of common law. 

Article the eighth. Excessive bail shall not be re- 
quired, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unu- 
sual punishments inflicted. 

Article the ninth. The enumeration in the constitu- 
tion of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or 
disparage others retained by the people. 

Article the tenth. The powers not delegated to the 
United States by the constitution, nor prohibited by it 
to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or 
10 the people. 

Article the eleventh. The judicial power of the 
United States shall not be construed to extend to any 
suit in law, or equity, commenced or prosecuted against 
one of tlie United States by citizens of another state, or 
by citizens or subjects of any foreign state. 

" Article the twelfth. ^ (In lieu of the third paragrapli 
of the first section of the second article, p. 242.) The 
electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote 
by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of 
whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same 
state with themselves ; they shall name in their ballots 
the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots 
the person voted for as Vice-President ; and they shall 
make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, 
and of all persons vote(l for as Vice-President, and of 
the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign 
and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the go- 



24Sr OONSTITUTION, &c. 

Vernment of the United States, directed to the President 
of the Senate : the President of the Senate shall, in the 
presence of the senate and house of representatives, open 
all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted ; 
the person having the greatest number of votes for 
President, shall be the President, if such number be a 
majority of the whole number of electors appointed •: 
and if no person have such majority, then from the per- 
sons having the highest numbers not exceeding three 
on the list of those voted for as President, the house of 
i^epresentatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the 
President. But in choosing the President, the votes 
shall be taken by states, the representation from each 
state having one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall 
ponsist of a member or members from two-thirds of 
the states, and a majority of all the states shall be ne- 
cessary to a choice. And if the house of representatives 
shall not choose a President whenever the right of choice 
shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March 
next following, then the Vice-President shall act as 
President, as in the case of the death, or other constitji- 
iional disability of the President. 

The person having the greatest number of votes as 
Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such 
number be a majority of the whole number of electors 
appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from 
the two highest numbers on the list, the senate shall 
choose the Vicfe-President ; a quorum for the purpose 
shall consist of two-thirds of the wholenumber of sena- 
tors, and a majority of the whole number shall be neces- 
sary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligi- 
ble to the office of President shall be eligible to that of 
Vice-President of the United States. 

This twelfth article was ratified in ISO^k 



^ 



ADAPTED TO THE 

HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHf AFTER L— Pagr 13. 
First Settlement of Virginia and Neio-England. 

WHAT have generally been the consequences of the 
greatest victories ? 

What has impeded the progress of refinement, &c. ia 
South America ? 

To what may the gradual increase of population in many 
places, be attributed ? 

When was Philadelphia founded, and what has been its 
increase ? Has the U. S. at large increased with the same 
rapidity ? 

What was its population in 1790 ? 1800 ? and 1810 ? 

At this computation, how often does it double ? 

At this rate what will be the population in 150 years ? 

When, and by whom was America discovered ? Undet! 
whose patronage ? 

Relate the circumstances of Colnmbus' voyage* 

From whom did America receive its name ? 

For what was South America settled ? * 

How long after its discovery before North America was 
settled ? Who first explored the shores of North America ? 

When, and by whom was the first attempt made to form a 
settlement in Virginia? 

When was a second attempt made ? 

Relate the circumstances of an attempt by Bartholomew 
Gosnoldto effect a settlement in the north part of Virginia ? 

When and where was the first British settlement made that 
was not abandoned ? To whom was the success of the es^ 
tablishment mostly indebted ? Relate the circumstances at- 
tending his capture by the Indians. 

What plot was laid by the Indians in 1609 1 How was il 
rendered abortive ? 



250 QUESTIONS. 

Why did the colonists resolve to return to England ? What 
prevented them ? 

How did the company prosper under the administration of 
Delaware? Relate the history of Pocahontas. 

When, and for what was Capt. Argal sent from Virginia to 
New- York ? 

How were the first women sent to Virginia disposed of? 

Who explored New-England ? When ? 

When werp attempts made to form settlements in New 
England ? Were they successful ? 

What were the principal motives which led the congrega- 
tion of Mr. Robinson to turn tlieir attention to the new world ? 

When did a part of the congregation leave Europe? 

Wlien did they arrive at Cape Cod ? 

What did they do previous to landing ? Who was chosen 
Governor ? 

When and where did they land ? 

W hat occasioned their sufferings ? How many died before 
the next spring? 

When and where were articles of submission and friendly 
intercourse agreed upon with the Indians ? 

W^hen were settlements made at Portsmouth, and Dover, 
(N. H. ?) Under whose orders ? 

What laid the foundation for the union of the settlements 
under one colony ? 

What agreement was made at Cambridge in 1629 ? 

How many adventurers timbarked the next spring ? 

Where did they plant themselves ? Where was the first 
General Court held ? 

What articles of faith were agreed upon ? What is ob- 
served of ihis intolerance ? 

Was it general throughout Europe, as well as America ? 

What was done by Virginia long after ? " 

How far had settlements extended from Boston, in 1634? 
How was the constitution altered ? 

How long did this form of legislation remain ? 

WHiat important transaction in 1637? For what was this 
year famous ? What was the consequence ? What was the 
result of their deliberations ? 

What public school was founded this year ? Under what 
appellation ? 

When and where was the first printing office established in 



QUESTIONS. 



2jI 



North America? V/hat body of laws was established ia 
1640 ? What is observed of these laws ? 

What is said of Powhatan ? Who succeeded him ? 

What is observed of this chief ? 

What is said of the peace and tranquillity of the colonists ? 

Relate the circumstances of the Indian massacre ? What 
limited it ? 

How did this war terminate ? 

When was the company dissolved^ and the colony taken in- 
to the hands of the king ? 

Who was appointed Governor ? What is said of him ? 

What is observed of his successor, Sir Wm. Berkely ? 

CHAPTER II.— Page 34. 

Maine. 

Relate the circumstances of the first attempt to form a 
settlement in Maine. 

Why did they determine to leave the country ? 

When did the Plymouth colonists obtain a patent for Ken- 
nebeck ? 

What charter was granted to SirF. Gorges, in 1639 ? 

When and where was the first general court held ? 

When was the province taken under the government of 
Massachusetts ? 

Were the settlers of this province long distressed by the 
Indians ? When was a treaty made with them ? 

When was Maine incorporated with Massachusetts ? 

When were attempts made to separate ? When were a ma- 
jority in favour of separation ? 

When did Maine become an Independent State ? 

'New-Hampshire 

When Avas a settlement begun at Piscataqua ? 

What grant was made by the Plymouth Company to Ma- 
son (in 1629 ?) What was this tract called ? What towns 
were laid out in 1633 ? What did the patent holders agree 
to, soon after ? 

How long did New-Hampshire continue under the jurisdic- 
tion of Massachusetts ? What government was then formed ? 

When and where did the first assembly meet ? 

What commission was issued to Joseph Dudley, in l685 ? 
Who succeeded him ? 



2^2 ' QUESTIONS. 

When commenced a war with the Indians ; and how long 
did it continue ? 

What was the character of the war on the part of the In- 
dians ? 

Relate the circumstances of the attack on, and defence of 
the Fort at Number Four. 

What was undertaken during the administration of Ben- 
ning Wentworth ** 

When and where was Dartmouth College founded ? 

When did Governor Wentworth quit the Province ? — What 
did the Provincial Congress of N. H. do, on receiving infor- 
lanation of the battle of Lexington ? 

What is observed of the courage and patriotism of the state 
during the revolutionary war? 

What Constitution was formed in 1784? 

When was President Wheelock removed from Dartmouth 
College ? Who succeeded him ?- 

What does Dr. Belknap observe of the inhabitants of this 
,State. 

Massachusetts. 

What distressing war commenced in 1675 ? 

What plan had this warrior concerted ? 

What treaty was concluded with the Narraganset tribe ? 

When was there a general rising of the Indians in NetV'- 
England ? 

What towns suffered most severely ? 

Were New-Hampshire and Maine attacked at the same 
time ? 

Relate the circumstances and result of the attack on the 
principle town of the Narragansets. 

How did the war continue during the winter? 

How did the war finally terminate ? 

Whei), and why was the charter of the governoi* and com- 
pany declared forfeited ? Who was appointed to the go- 
vernment of New-England? 

What powers was he invested with ? 

What new charter arrived in 1692 ? 

How long did this charter continue ? 

Relate the circumstances of the Salem Witchcraft.' 

What was the first newspaper established in America? 
When ? 

What plan did Governor Shirley lay before the general 
.<:ourt in 1745 ? 



QUESTIONS. 253 

What states raised the troops ? 

Relate the circurastances attending the seige and surrender 
of Louisburg. 

What has the success, by many, been attributed to ? 

What did the French court resolve on ? What measures 
were taken for this purpose ? 

Why were these intentions relinquished ? 

When was the present constitution of the state formed ? 

What occasioned an insurrection in this state, in 1780 ? 

How was this insurrection quelled ? 

Vermont. 

When and by whom was Fort Dummer built ? Who built 
the fort at Crown Point ? 

What was the consequence of the territory west of Connec- 
ticut River's being annexed to New- York ? 

What law was passed by New- York, in 1774 ? 

V/hen was Vermont declared independent ? From what 
did the state receive its name ? 

When was Vermont admitted into the Union ? When was 
the present constitution established ? 

What has been the increase of population in Vermont ? 
Connecticut, 

When was Connecticut settled ? 

What important events in 1635 ? 

Relate the circumstances of the war with the Pequod In- 
dians. 

When and by whom was New-Haven settled ? 

What did the colonists determine, on finding themselves out 
of the jurisdiction of Massachusetts ? 

What was the constitution of New-Haven ? 

What charter did Charles the Second grant to Connecticut, 
in 1662 ? 

Who attempted to wrest it from them t 

How was the charter preserved ? 

Who assumed the government, on the seizure of Andros ? 

How did his government begin ? What is observed of it ? 

When and wh^'e was Yale College founded ? 

What is said of the government of Connecticut from its 

earliest settlement 1 

Rhode-Island, 

When and why was Mr. Williams banished from Massa- 
chusetts ? 

Where did he begin a plantation ? * 



254 QUESTIONS. 

Who first began a settlement on Rhode-Island ? 

From what did it receive its name ? 

What occasioned Rhode-Island and Providence to be ex- 
tensively settled ? 

What form of government was adopted ? 

When was the first general assembly held ? 

When was a royal charter granted ? 

What did it appoint ? 

Has much alteration since taken place in the form of go- 
vernment ? 

What act was passed by the Legislature, in 1663 ? 

What was done soon after the accession of James the Se- 
cond, in 1685 ? 

When and where was Brown University founded ? 

CHAPTER III.— Page 63. 

New-York. 

Who settled New- York ? When was it taken from them 
by the English ? 

What transactions in l6l4? 

Relate the circumstances of a battle between the Dutch and 
Indians, in 1646. 

How was the controversy between the Dutch and English, 
respecting the lands on Connecticut river, settled ? 

What grant did Charles the Second make to the Duke of 
York, in 1664 ? 

To make the patent valid, what was necessary ? 

Give the particulars of the expedition of Col. Nichols.rsjv>-» 

What were the terms of surrender ? 

What did Nichols do previous to his departure, in 1665 ? 

When did Holland yield New-Netherlands to the English ? 

When vvas New-York again taken by the Dutch ? 

What transaction by the court of assizes, &c. of New- 
York, in 1683 ? Did James refuse to confirm these privi- 
leges ? 

What increased the disaffection ? Who seized upon the 
fort ? What declaration did they sign ? 

Relate the circumstances attending Leisler's assumption of 
the supreme authority. 

Did this revolution bring about great advantages to New- 
York ? What was the consequence ? 

Wliat did the province do m an attempt to conquer Cana- 
da, in 1709 ? 



QUESTIONS. 255 

Relate the circumstances of another expedition against Ca- 
nada, in 1 71 1 . How did this expedition end ? 

For what purpose was a convention of delegates held at Al- 
bany, in 1754? 

What plan of general government was adopted ? 

When was this plan approved and signed ? 

Why was this system rejected by the colonial assemblies ? 
Why by the king ? 

When, and under what title was a college in New- York in- 
corporated ? Where and when was Union College incorporated ? 

NeW'Jersei/. 

From what did New-Jersey receive its name ? 

When and where was the first settlement made ? 

How was the province divided in 1676 ? 

When and by whom was Burhngton settled ? 

How did West- Jersey continue to be held ? When were 
the proprietors' rights, restored them ? 

By whom was East-Jersey purchased, in 1682 ? 

Wlio was made governor ? 

When were the Jerseys annexed to New-England ? How 
long did they continue so ? What induced the proprietors to 
surrender the government to the crown ? 

Who was appointed governor ? 

When had New-Jersey a governor separate from New- 
York ? What college was founded at Princeton the same year ? 

When was the present constitution of N. Jersey adopted ? 

What is said of the sufferings of this state during the Re- 
volution ? 

Delaware. 

When and by whom was Delaware settled 1 

Who laid claim to the territory ? W^hat became of the 
Swedes ? • ' 

How long did the Dutch maintain their authority? 

What was done by Wm. Penn, l682 ? What did these 
deeds embrace ? 

When did the crown assume the government of Pennsylva- 
nia and the lower counties ? W^hat authority were they sub- 
jected to ? 

What occasioned uneasiness in Delaware at this time ? — 
What was the consequence ? 

' Did Delaware send representatives to attend the congress at 
New- York, in 1765 ? 

From what did Delaware receive its name ? 
• VYhen was the present constitution adopted ? 



256 QUESTIONS, 

"Pennsylvania, \ 

To whom was a grant made of Pennsylvania t 

When did a patent pass the seals ? 

What territories did this grant encroach upon ? 

What did the patent provide for ? 

What frame of government did Penn publish in l682 ? 

What else was agreed between the proprietary and colonists? 

What obliged him to alter the form of government ? 

Where was the city of Philadelphia laid out, and how far 
did it extend ? What was previously done ? 

What causes are assigned for the rapid settlement of Penn- 
sylvania ? 

What new charter was granted by Penn, in 1683 ? 

What was the consequence, to Fenn, of the Assembly's re- 
fusing to acknowledge the successor of King James ? 

What was the 3d charter given by Penn to the colonists ? 

How long did this constitution continue ? 

What treaty was made by the Indians of the Six Nations in 
1742 ? What other transaction the same year ? 

When was the American Philosophical Society instituted ? 
When incorporated ? 

How much was given by the state, for the quit rent due the 
proprietors ? 

When was the constitution of the state established ? 

Where was the seat of government removed to, in 1799 ? 

When did Congress remove from Philadelphia ? 

Maryland. 

Who made the first settlement in Maryland ? 

What patent was issued to Cecil, Lord Baltimore, in 1632 ? 

Why was the province called Maryland ? 

By the patent, what were the proprietors authorised to do ? 
Who was appointed governor ? When and were did he be- 
gin a settlement ? 

What made emigrants flock to the province ? 

What did the Indians do on the first arrival of the English ? 

What act was passed in l639? 

Who intrigued with the savages to commence a war against 
the colonists, 1642 ? How was the war ended ? 

Give the particulars of an insurrection, in 1 645. What 
did parliament do after the death of Charles I. ? 

What was the consequence of the colony's being divided m 
sentiment ? 

Relate the particulars of an insurrection, in 1656. Whett 
was the former order of things restored ? How were the court- 



QUESTIONS. 257 

ties divided, in l692? Under whose superintendence were 
they? 

When was the present constitution of Maryland formed ? 
When and where was Washington College instituted? What 
college was instituted, io 1784 ? What grant was made to the 
U. States, in 1790 ? 

CHAPTER IV.— PAGE 85. 
Virginia. 

What was this colony first to do ? What did Governor 
Berkley inform the assembly, l66l ? 

What was done on the restoration of the old constitution ? 

What is said of the sufferings of this colony from the despot- 
ism of a royal government ? 

What was done in violation of chartered rights ? Did the 
people grow unquiet ? What added to their misfortune ? 

Relate the circumstances attending the rise, progress and 
conclusion of the rebellion of Col. Nathaniel Bacon. 

W^hat does this rebellion form ? How long were its effects 
felt, and what was done during its continuance ? 

Who succeeded Sir William Berkley, as governor of Virgi- 
nia ? 

What was the return Virginia received for its attachment to 
Charles II. ? When were William and Mary proclaimed in 
Virginia ? What charter was granted, in l692 ? 

How was Virginia divided in I7l2 ? Who first discover- 
ed a passage over the Apalachian mountains ? 

What is the most important epoch in the history of Virgi- 
nia ? What happened on that day ? When was the constitu- 
tion of this state adopted ? 

North and South Carolina. 

Where was the first settlement in the limits of the U. States, 
made ? Was it permanent ? 

How were the English treated by the Indians on their first 
arrival ? What says the journal of the voyage ? 

When and by whom was a settlement formed in Albemarle 
county ? 

What territory was granted to lords Clarendon and Craven, 

in 1663 ? 

>Vho was appointed commander of the planters settled about 

Cape Fear, 1665 ? 

What did the people of Albemarle petition for ? 

What did the general assembly granted them, consist of? 

When and by whom was the first assembly convoked under 
this constitution ? What, among other acts, was enacted I 



258 <iUESTIONS. 

What in consequence of there being no clergymen ? 

When and by whom was a settlement made at Port Royal ? 

What was the constitution formed by the famous John 
Locke ? 

Whose authority was extended over the plantation, on the 
death of Gov. Sayle ? What had Governor Sayle done, pre- 
vious to his death ? 

What was the consequence of an attempt to enforce the con- 
stitution of Mr. Locke, in Albemarle, iGfO ? 

For what did the freemen meet at Charleston, 1674 ? What 
did this government consist of? 

What did the proprietors do the same year ? 

What was done in consequence of the situation of Charles- 
ton's proving inconvenient ? 

Give the particulars of a war with the Westo Lidians, 1680. 

When was the constitution of Mr. Locke fully abandoned ? 

What did the proprietors do, in consequence of dissentions 
continuing in Carolina ? 

When, and by what means was rice first introduced into 
Carolina ? 

What did Gov. Moore propose to the assembly in expecta- 
tion of a war between England, France and Spain ? 

Relate the circumstances of the enterprise. 

What did Gov. Moore do, in consequence of the Apala- 
chian Indians becoming troublesome ? 

Who succeeded Moore as governor ? What was establish- 
ed by law ? 

What did the House of Lords declare ? 

What did Gov. Johnson do, on hearing that the Spaniards 
were determined to annex Carolina to Florida ? 

What information was received shortly after ? W"hat did 
this force consist of ? 

Give the particulars of the enterprise. 

How did this dreaded invasion end ? 

What were the causes of a design on the part of the Indians, 
of assassinating the whites, 1712? What did the Coreesj 
Tuscaroras, and other tribes, do ? What ensued ? 

Give the particulars of the expedition of Col. Barnwell. 
. What did the survivors do ? 

'Relate the circumstances of an attempt by the Yamassees 
and other tribes to destroy the southern plantations in 1715. 

By what had the coast been infested ? What did Gov. 
Johnson succeed in (1715 ?) 

What important transactions in 1719 ? 



■MHIMHIMHi 



QUESTIONS. 559 

What did the assembly do ? Did he refuse ? 

What was the opinion of the privy council ? Who was 
appointed provisional governor under the crown ? 

What was done by Colonel Palmer, 1725 ? 

What agreement was made between the proprietors and the 
crown, in 1729 ? How was the province now divided ? 

What insurrection took place in 1738 ? How was it sup- 
pressed ? 

V/hen was the discovery of the growth of the Indigo plant 
made ? 

What did a body of men under the name of regulators com- 
bine for, in 1771 ? 

Were they defeated ? 

When was the constitution of N. Carolina established ? 
When was the present constitution of S. Carolina agreed to ? 

Georgia. 

What was Georgia originally a part of? What was the 
southern boundary of the British dominions? 

What was the object of a company formed in England ? 

How man}^ persons were incorporated for settling a co- 
lony ? By whom, and when was the charter of incorporation 
granted ? 

How many persons left England ? W^hen did they arrive 
at Charleston ? 

Where did they commence a settlement? What was the 
town called ? 

What was one great object of the trustees ? How were the 
lands granted? 

What did the colonists remonstrate against ? By what were 
the trustees actuated ? 

How many emigrants arrived in 1734 ? What is said of 
them ? 

What was done to obtain persons of more hardihood ? 

What was the consequence of these regulations ? 

What -had raised expectations of prosperity ? 

What occasioned disappointment and penury ? 

Who was appointed commander of his majesty's forces in S. 
Carolina and Georgia, 1738 ? 

What expedition did he project? 

Relate the circumstances of the expedition. 

When was Georgia invaded by the Spaniards ? 

Give the particulars of this invasion. 

How did it terminate ? What made the province remain a 
lono- time in a languishing condition ? 



260 QUESTIONS. 

What did the trustees at length do ? When did the govern- 
ment become regal ? When was a general court established ? 
What were the exports of 1763 ? W^hat of 1773 ? 
When was the University of Georgia incorporated ? When 
was the constitution of Georgia adopted as it now stands ? 

Kenituchy. 
When and by whom was the first settlement made in this 
state ? 

How was the settlement saved during the revolution ? 
What was done by General Clark, 1778 ? 
When was ihe territory erected into a county ? 
When was Kentucky made a separate state ? When ad- 
mitted into the Union. 

What seminary was incorporated in 1798 ? When was the 
constitution of the state established as it now exists ? 

Tennessee. 
From what does the state of Tennessee receive its name? 
What does the name in the Indian language signify? 
How many families were settled in this state in 1754? 
When were they dislodged by the savages? 
What conspired to prevent its settlement ? 
When were attempts again made to settle it ? 
What overtures were^ made to them during the revolution ? 
What was the consequence of their rejection ? 

What government was established by Congress over this 
territory ? When was it made an independent state ? When . 
was the constitution of the state established? 
What college has lately been established ? 

Ohio. 
By whom was Ohio inhabited, till the year 1787 ? Who 
claimed the territory ? 

When did Virginia cede to the United States their right to 
the territory north-west of the river Ohio ? 

Under whose direction was the first settlement begun ? 
Where and when ? 

What prevented its increase in population, till 1795 ? What 
was the consequence of a general peace with the different 
tribes ? 

When was this state admitted a member of the Union? 
When was the' constitution of the state adopted ? 
For what is this state remarkable ? 
What are the most prominent antiquities ? 
Where are some of the most remarkable forts and mounds 
in this state ? 



QUESTIONS. 261 

Where is believed to be the largest mound that has yet 
been discovered ? Describe it. 

What are these mounds supposed to have been ? 

What is one principal reason for this supposition ? 

What do the fortifications through the western country, ge- 
nerally consist of ? Describe them. 

As to their local situation, what is observed ? 

AVhere is one of the most remarkable of these fortifications ? 
From what does this town derive its name ? What does the 
town plat include ? 

What does the circular fort consist of ? 

What is observed of the trees growing on these, and all the 
other forts in this country ? 

On removing one of the mounds at Marietta, in 1819, what 
were found ? 

Wlien, and by what race of men do these mounds and forts 
appear to have been constructed ? 

What is the opinion of many judicious persons ? 
Louisiana. 

When and by whom was Louisiana first discovered ? Who 
explored the Mississippi ? When ? When and by whom was 
a settlement begun ? 

Relate the circumstances of an attempt by the Spaniards 
ibr planting a colony on the Missouri. 

When and by whom was the French settlement at Natches 
destroyed ? 

How was this tribe of Indians destroyed ? 

Give the particulars of an expedition from Canada and 
Louisiana, against the Chickasaw Indians, in 1736 ? What 
was the result of an expedition four years after ? 

What were the inhabitants of Louisiana informed, in 1764 ? 
Did they submit to this measure ? 

When was the province ceded to France ? When was it 
purchased by the U. States ? How was it then divided ? 

When was the state of Louisiana admitted into the Union ? 
Mississippi. 

By whom has Mississippi,^ for ages been inhabited ? 

When was this territory erected into a separate government ? 

When was it admitted into the Union as an independent 

state ? 

Indiana, 
From what was Indiana taken ? When did it become a 
state ? 



262 QUESTIONS. 

Illinois. 

By whom was Illinois settled ? When was it taken from 
the Indiana territory ? When was it admitted into the Union 
as a state 1 - 

Alabama^ 

What territories compose Alabama ? When was it admit- 
ted into the Union as an independent state ? 
Michigan Territory, 

When did missionaries from the Jesuits visit this country ? 

When and by whom was a fort built at Detroit ? 

When was it made a separate territorial government ? 
Missouri Territory. 

How is the Missouri Territory bounded ? When was ap- 
plication made for admission into the Union ? When was the 
admission of Missouri provided for ? 

At^kansas Territory, 

What does this territory comprise ? W^hen was a territori- 
al government established? Who was appointed governor ? 
Territory of Florida. 

When were the Floridas ceded to the United States ? Who 
possess much of the territory ? Who first discovered the 
country ? When ? Who made settlements in 1562 ? When 
was the country ceded to Great Britain ? Who took posses- 
sion in 1781 ? 

CHAPTER v.— Page 125. 
United States — French and Indian War, 

What society was formed in 1750? What charter grant 
did they obtain from the crown ? For what purposes did they 
commence establishments on the Ohio ? 

By the ancient charters of France, how did the territories 
granted, extend ? How did the English charters extend ? 

What did the Canadian governor write to the governors of 
Pennsylvania and New-York ? How did he execute his 
threat ? 

What did the French governor do ? What was done by 
the Ohio company ? 

When was the subject laid before the assembly ? What 
did they determine ? Who was despatched with a letter to 
the comm.andant on the Ohio ? 

What did the British ministry direct the Virginians to do? 

Relate the circumstances of the expedition of Colonel Wash- 
ington, to the Great Meadows. 

What orders were sent from England ? 

On the arrival of General Braddock, 1755, what was do*:'- 2 



QUESTIONS. 263 

What different enterprises were agreed to be undertaken ? 

Give the particulars of an expedition against the French 
forts in Nova Scotia. 

What was done to prevent the inhabitants joining the Ca- 
nadians ? 

Give the particulars of the expedition of General Braddock, 
against fort Du Quesne. What was the English loss ? What 
did Colonel Dunbar do ? 

Relate the circumstances of the expedition against Crown 
Point. Why was the expedition against Niagara and fort 
Frontinac, abandoned ? 

What preparations were made, in 1756? 
AVho was appointed commander in chief? 
What did delays give the French time to do ? What was 
done by Colonel Bradstreet ? 

Relate the circumstances of the capture of fort Oswego, by 
the French. 

Why were further offensive operations relinquished ? 
What force arrived at Halifax, in IT 57 ? With what ex- 
pectation ? Why was the expedition abandoned ? 

Give the particulars of the capture of fort William Henry. 
What had hitherto marked the proceedings of the British in 
America ? To what is this attributable ' What was the 
consequence of Mr. Pitt's becoming prime minister ? 

What force was raised for the prosecution of the war, in 
1758? 

What forces arrived at Halifax in the spring ? To whom 

was the command of the British and provincial forces given ? 

What three expeditions were planned ? 

Relate the circumstances of the siege and capture of Louis- 

burgh-by General Amherst. On its surrender, what fell into 

the liands of the British ? 

What was the result of an attack, by General Abercrombie, 
on Ticonderoga ? 

Give the particulars of the siege and capture of fort Fronti- 
nac. What fell into the possession of the British ? 

Relate the circumstances of the expedition of Gen. Forbes 
against fort Du Quesne. 

What did the Ohio Indians do, on discovering the English 

flag? 

What was the plan of the campaign of 1759 ? What was 
done for this purpose ? Who commanded the different divi- 
sions, and what was each to do ? 

Give the particulars of the capture of Ticonderoga, and 



264 . QUESTIONS. 

Crown Point. What prevented the investment of Isle Aux 
Noix? 

Relate the particulars of the siege of Niagara, by General 
Prideaux. What decided the fate ef the fort ? 

Relate the ch-cumstances attending the siege and capture of 
Quebec, by General Wolfe. 

What is observed of Wolfe ? What of Montcalm ? 

Under whose command was the city garrisoned ? 

What success did the French meet with, in two attempts 
to retake the city ? When was the siege raised ? 

W^hat was now the principal object ? For this purpose 
what was done r What were the terms of capitulation ? 

How did the war with the Cherokees end ? 

When did peace take place between France and England ? 
CHAPTER VI.— Page 139. 
The Revolution* 

What act was passed by the parliament of England, in 
1764 ? Did the colonists submit to this ? 

What was done by parliament the next year ? What did 
Massachusetts reccommend ? What was done by the con- 
gress which met at N. York ? 

What was done on the day the stamp act was to begin its 
Operation ? 

How was business conducted ? What associations did the 
colonists enter into ? 

What alternative had parliament ? 

Did the repeal give great satisfaction ? 

What bill was brought into parliament by the chancellor of 
the exchequer, 1767 ? What other bill and act were passed ? 

What did these acts of parliament do ? What were the 
order of the day? 

What was done at the instigation of the British custom 
house officers ? ' 

Did the proceedings of Massachusetts exasperate parliament ? 
What orders were given to the Governor of Massachusetts ? 

On the receipt of the resolves of parliament, what resolu- 
tions were passed by the house of burgesses of Virginia ? 
What was done by parliament, 1770 ? Relate the circum- 
stances of an affray with the British troops, on the fifth of 
March. 

How was it represented ? What were the East India Com- 
pany allowed by parliament, 1773 ? 

What did the corresponding committees declare ? What 
was the <;onsequence ? 



. QUESTIONS. 265 

What was done to the tea ships, intended for the supply of 
Boston ? 

Who were considered fomenters of disobedience ? 

What bills were passed ? 

What did the house of burgesses of "Virginia order ? 

What did Massachusetts recommend ? When and where 
did the deputies meet ? How were they organized ? What 
was done by them ? What bill was brought forward in the 
house of peers, by the Earl of Chatham, January, 1775? 
What bill was introduced by Lord North ? What time had 
come ? 

Relate the circumstances of an attempt by General Gage, 
to obtain some military stores at Concord, on the evening of 
the 18th of April. 

When and by whom, were Ticonderoga and Crown Point 
taken ? Give the particulars of the battle of Breeds Hill. 

Who did Congress appoint commander in chief? 

What was his success in endeavours to introduce order and 
uniformity ? 

Why were offensive operations resolved on against Canada ? 
What was intended ? 

Give the particulars of the capture of St. Johns. 

For what purpose did Colonel Allen leave St. Johns ? Was 
he defeated ? 

Relate the circumstances of the^iege of Quebec, by Mont- 
gomery and Arnold. 

How did the contest between Lord Dunmore and the as- 
sembly of Virginia end ? What did he then do ? What were 
the royal governors of North and South Carolina obliged to 
do? 

Why did the British determine to evacuate Boston ? 

What made them precipitately abandon the town ? 

How long did Arnold continue on the heights of Abraham ? 
What obliged him to retreat ? 

" Give the particulars of an attempt to destroy the fort on 
Sullivan's Island. 

What motion was made in Congress, June 7th, by Richard 
Henry Lee, of Virginia ? When were the colonies declared 
independent ? Under what title ? 

What British force landed on Long Island, August 22 ? 

What was the American force at this time ? What was 
done previous to hostilities ? 

'Give the particulars of the battle on Long Island j near 
Brooklyn. What savs Ramsey ? ' 



2o6 __ QUESTIOxXS. 

What does an English historian, Wood, observe ? 

Why \MS New- York evacuated? When was fort Wash- 
ington surrendered ? What did an engagement at White 
Plains produce ? 

What did General Washington now do ? How was his ar- 
my reduced ? What did congress do? 

What was done by Washington, on the night of the 25th of 
December '^ What a few days after ? 

What appeared to be the object of Howe, 1777 1 Why ? 

Where were the British opposed by Washington ? What 
was the result of an engagement ? 

When did Howe enter Philadelphia ? 

What Was the resuk of an attack on the British troops at 
Gerraantown '? 

What did the British expect by an intercourse between Ca- 
nada and New- York ? For this purpose what was done ? 

What was done by General St. Clair ? 

Relate the circumstances of an attempt to seize the stores 
and provisions at Bennington. 

What was the result of an engagement, September IQth ? 
Give the particulars of a second engagement, October 7th. 

What was Burgoyne at length compelled to ? 

When was the royal army surrendered ? 

What did the capture of Burgoyne's army lay the founda- 
tion for ? 

What treaty was made, February 6th, 1778 ? What did 
the British army determine on ? What was the result of an 
attack on its rear by General Washington ? 

Give the particulars of an attempt on Rhode-Island. 

Relate the circumstances of the capture of Savannah, by the 
British. Who was appointed to the command of the southern 
forces, 1779 ? What did Prevost, the British commander do ? 
What frustrated his wishes ? 

What was done by Sir Henry Clinton, in May ? 

Relate the circrasta«ces of the siege and assult on Savannali 
by the American and French forces. 
* What did General Wayne do, July 26th ? 

Give the particulars of an expedition to Penobscot. 

How did the expedition of General Sullivan terminate ? 
Give an account of the siege and capture of Charleston^ 

1780. 

For what purpose were garrisons posted in different parts 
of ihe state 2 What did Colonel Sumpter do 'i 



QUESTIONS. 267 

Who succeeded general Lincoln, in the southern depart- 
ment ? Who had command of the British ? 

How did the battle at Camden terminate ? 

Give an account of the defeat of Major Fergusson, at King's 
mountain. 

What depredations were committed by the British, in New- 
Jersey, in June ? 

Give an account of the treason of General Arnold. 

Relate the circumstances of the capture and execution oT 
Major Andre. 

What mutiny took place, January, 1781 ? 

What was done by Arnold ? What pre\'ented his capture 
or defeat ? 

Who succeeded Gates in tlie command of tke southern de- 
partment? What did be do? 

Give an account of the battle at the Cowpens. 

How were a party of loyalists cut to pieces, by Green's 
troops ? What did Tarlton also do ? 

Give an account of the battle at Guilford. 

How did the action at Camden terminate ? 

Relate the circumstance of the assult on Ninety-Six. 

Give an account of the battle at Eutaw Springs. 

What did Cornwallis do after the battle of Guilford ? 

What was the plan of the campaign on the part of the 
Americans and French ? 

What circumstances induced Washington to change the plan 
of the campaign ? 

How did he impress Clinton with the belief that the expe- 
dition was destined against New- York ? 

What fleet arrived in the Chesapeake ? 

Relate the circumstances attending the siege and capture of 
Cornwallis. 

What were the terms of capitulation ? 

What may the fall of this British army be considered as ? 

What says Doctor Ramsey ? 

Give an account of the capture of New-London. 

What alone indicated the continuance of the war, 1782 ? 

What had the state of Georgia long been a scene of ? 

What victory was obtained by General Wayne, in June ? 

Relate the circumstances of a naval engagement^ between 
the English and French. 

What motions had been made in the British parliament ? 

What was resolved by the commons, March 4th, 1782 ? 

To whom was the royal army in North America entrusted ? 



208 QUESTIONS. 

For what purpose wer^ commissioners appointed ? Who 
were they ? 

When did Holland acknowledge the independence of the 
United States ? When Sweden ? Denmark ? Spain ? and 
Russia ? When was the definitive treaty of peace signed ? 

How did General Washington address his officers when 
about to take leave of them ? What is said of the resignation 
of his commission to Congress ? 

What remarks on the end of the war ? 

CHAPTER VH. Page 171. 

New Constitution — Its Administrations — War with Great 

Britain — Peace. 

What was the debt of the United States at the close of the 
war? What power had Congress? What proposal was 
made by Congress for the payment of the public debt ? Why 
did this plan fail ? 

What was done by the convention held at Annapolis ? 

For what purpose was a convention held at Philadelphia, 

May, 178r? 

When was the present constitution of the United States laid 
before Conoress ? What did the convention recommend ? 

How many states agreed to the new system of government ? 
What states did not adopt it ? Who was^ chosen President ? 
Who Vice-President ? 

What important busiuv^^ss was now before Congress ? 

W^ho were the fust Cabinet Council of the President ? — Who 
was appointed Chief Justice of the United States ? Who as- 
sociate Judges ? y 

What tour did the President make during the recess of Con- 
gress ? 

When did the second session of the first Congress begin ? 
What report was made by Mr. Hamilton ? 

With regard to the foreign debt, what did he remark ? What 
with regard to ihe domestic debt ? 

What was proposed by Mr. Madison ? Were these propo- 
sitions rejected ? 

What bill was passed respecting the seat of government ? 

What bill was introduced, soon after the commencement of 
the third session of Congress ? 

What bill was sent from the senate soon after ? 

Was the bill at length carried ? 

Previous to its sanction by the President, what did he re- 
quire ? Who opposed; and who supported the bill ? 



QUESTIONS. o(3j., 

What tended greatly to produce the distinction of parties i)i 
the United States ? 

When did the first Congress close its last session ? 

What is observed of the parties into which the two houses, 
as well as the people, were divided ? 

Give an account of General Harmer's expedition against 
the Indians. Relate the circumstances of General St. Clair's 
battle with the Indians. 

What did the President do, in consequence of this defeat ? 
What bill was introduced ? On what grounds was it opposed t 
What was said on the other side ? 

What resolutions were entered into, by the opposers of the 
tax on distilled spirits ? What was the government charged 
with ? 

Wliat motion was made soon after the opening of the next 
Congress ? By what terms were parties now divided ? 

^Vhat information was received in April ? 

What were the determinations of the cabinet ? What was 
advised ? What proclamation issued ? 

How was Mr. Genet, the minister of the French republic, 
received? 

What societies were formed in Philadelphia and other 
places ? 

What did Genet at length do ? What order was issued by 
tlie British government in June, 1794 ? What was the con- 
sequence ? What other causes of disaffection on the part of 
Congress towards Great Britain ? How did England justify 
this neglect ? 

What resolutions were brought forward by Mr. Madison, 
in the House of Representatives ? What had the defenders 
of these resolutions in view ?- What resolution was agreed 
to, in consequence of Algerine captures ? 

Why was the bill for this purpose opposed ? 

What bills were passed in consequence of Great Britain^s 
having issued new and injurious orders ? What motions were 
made ? 

What advices were received from England ? 

What did the President do to preserve peace ? 

Give an account of a battle between General Wayne and 
the Indians, on the 20th of August. 

Relate the circumstances of an insurrection of the western 
counties in Pennsylvania. To what was the insurrection at- 
tributed ? 

M2 



2ro QUESTIONS. 

What did Mr. Jay succeed in ? What did the Senate ad- 
vise ? 

What treaties were this year made ? 

What had General Washington determined ? 

What did he do previous to the time of election ? 

In his speech in December, whai did he recommend ? 

1T97* Who was elected President ? Who Vice-Presi- 
dent ? 

Who had been appointed minister to France ? 

To prevent war, what did Mr. Adams do ? 

What was done by the French cruisers ? What measures 
were adopted by Congress, 1798 ? 

What was General Washington appointed ? 

1799' What had the President declared ? Were envoys 
sent to Paris ? What was the consequence ? 

Give a'n account of the sickness and death of Gen. Wash- 
ington. What did Congress do on receiving information of 
Jiis death ? What resolutions were adopted the next day ? 

What did the committee recommend ? What are the re- 
jnarks ? 

When was the seat of government transferred from Phila- 
delphia to Washington ? 

1 801. Relate the circumstances of the election of President 
and Vice-President. Who was at length efected ? 

How did he commence his administration ? 

What important subjects occupied the attention of the iirst 
session of Congress, under Mr. Jefferson ? 

Give an account of the duel between General Hamilton and 
Aaron Burr. Who was chosen President ? Who Vice-Pre- 
sident '? 

Relate the cirGirmstances of the war between the sUnited 
States and Tripoli. Give an account of the expedition of 
William Eaton. 

In what enterprise was Aaron Burr detected, in 1806 ? 

Relate the circumstances of an attack on the Chesapeake 
by the British ship Leopard. What did this affair occasion. 

What did the British governnaent express ? 

On what pretexts were American merchantmen captured ? 

What decree was issued by Bonaparte in November, 1 806 ? 
What orders in Council were issued by the British, November, 

1807? 

W^hat was done by Bonaparte ? 

1809. Who was ciiosen President ? Who Vice-President ? 

What was the consequence of an engagement with Mr. Ers- 



QUESTIONS. 






kine, the British minister ? What did the British government 
declare ? 

Who succeeded Mr. Erskine ? Why was the correspond- 
ence between him, and the Secretary of State, closed ? 

What decree was issued at Rambouillet by Bonaparte, in 
1810? ' 

What did the French minister at Paris inform the American 
minister ? What did the President do in consequence ? 

What unhappy engagement took place in May, 1811 ? 

When did Congress meet? What did the message of the 
President indicate ? What resolutions were brought forward ? 

What information was received ? 

What distressing calamity befell the city of Richmond, De- 
cember 26th ? 

What did most of the states ? 

What resolution was offered, Feb. 18th^l81>2? 

Of what was the Chairman confident ? 

What did the President comniuaicate ta Congress, March 
ninth ? 

What act was passed April 3d}: 
'' W^hat message did the President send to Congress, June 
1st ? What were the principal grounds for war, as stated in 
the message ? 

What was done by the minority in the House of Represent- 
atives ? What did they declare ? 

Relate the circumstances of the several mobs at Baltimore. 

Give an accoimt of tiie capture cf the British frigate Guer- 
riere. 

To whom did General Hull surrender, August 15th ? 
Relate the circumstances of an attack on the British at 
Queenstown, By General Van< Rensselaer. 

Give the particulars of the capture of the British sloop of 
war, Frolic. Of the capture of the frigate Macedonian. Of 
the Java. 

What action was fought at the River Raisin, 1813 ? How 
were the prisoners treated ? 

Give an; account of the capture of the British sloop of war, 
Peacock. 

For what purpose were commissioners sent to Russia ? 
., Relate the circumstances of the capture of York. What 
important transactions, May 5ih ? 

Wliat was the result of an attack on Sackett's Harbour ? 

Relate the circumstances of the action between the Chesa* 
peake and British frigate Shannon-, 



272 QUESTIONS. 

By whom, and when was fort George taken ? 

Give the particulars of the engagement on Lake Erie, Sep« 
tember 10th. 

How was information of this victory given to Gen. Har- 
, rison ? 

How did the northern campaign for this season, end ? What 
was the plan for taking Montreal ? Why was the design re- 
linquished ? 

W^hat took place on the Niagara frontier ? 

By whom were the Creek Indians subdued ? 

Where and when, did the commissioners appointed by the 
American and British governments, meet ? 

Give the particulars of the capture of the Essex. 

When was fort Erie taken ? Give an account of the bat- 
tles of Chippewa and Bridgewater. ' 

Relate the circumstances of the invasion and capture of 
Washington; and of the plunder of Alexandria. 

Give an account of an attack on fort Erie, by the British. 

Relate the particulars of an attack on Baltimorej and fort 
McHenry. By whom, and when was an attack made on 
Plattsburg ? 

How did the naval engagement on Lake Champlain end? 

Give an account of the attack on the forts at Plattsburg. 

What was the result of a sortie from fort Erie ? 

Was there any general engagement on Lake Ontario? 

What did the report of the committee of the legislature of 
Mnssachusetts recommend ? What was done in consequence 
of these resolutions ? What was the report made by the con- 
vention ? 

Relate the circumstances of the capture of the frigate Presi- 
dent. Of the Cyane and Levant* 

What force entered Lake Ponchartrain, near New-Orleans, 
in December ? What was the result of an engagement, Janu- 
ary 8th ? 

What intelligence was brought by the English sloop of war, 
Favourite, at New- York, February 11th? 

How was the news of peace received? 

What did the treaty provide for ? 



QUESTIONS 



ON THE 



^ssr^iTfu^ 



WHAT is believed to be the oldest writing in existence ? 
What account have we from Moses ? Where did these de- 
scendants settle ? Who laid the foundation of Babylon ? 
Who of Nineveh ? What v\^as Abraham directed by the Al- 
mighty, B. C. 1931 ? What did the selling of Joseph into 
Egypt occasion ? What did the Israelites do, B. C. 1500 ? 
Who subdued the country? How long did they continue 
here, and by what were they governed ? Who was their first 
king ? When ? Who succeeded ? What became of the 
diiferent tribes ? What did they do on the appearing of Je- 
sus Christ ? By whom, and when was the city of Jerusalem 
destroyed ? What is said of the Jews, from this period to the 
present moment ? 

ASSYRIA AND SYRIA.— What has Syria been more 
generally used for ? What Assyria : How long is this em- 
pire supposed to have flourished ? What is said of Babylon, 
the capital ? When and by what means did Cyrus conquer 
this city ? Where died Alexander the Great ? What was 
done by Seleucus ? How did it continue ? 

EGYPT. — By whom was Egypt settled ? What is still a 
subject of dispute, among some learned writers ? W^hat was 
its extent of territory ? What is said of the Nile ? What is 
observed of the antiquity of this country ? How many cities 
is it said once to have contained ? What were the chief? By 
whom and when, was Egypt conquered ? When and by 
■whom, was it made a Roman Province ? What do the an- 
cient boundaries of Egypt contain ? What is the country 
under 1 



^4 QUESTIONS. 

PERSIA. — What empires were united under Cyru? ? 
What did this country become subject to ? What was done 
by Genghis Khan, 1190? What was done by Tamerlane, 
1400? By Kouli Khan, 1732 ? Since his time, what have 
been common in Persia ? How is it at present governed ? 

GREECE. — What is this territory now called ? By whom 
is it supposed to have been settled ? What were Athens and 
Sparta considered ? What is observed of the laws of Lycur- 
gus and Solon ? Why was it impossible to be rich in Sparta ? 
What were the alternate rulers of Athens, for many centuries ? 
How was Greece divided ? What disunited these states ? 
W^hat was the first instance of union among them ? Relate 
the circumstances of the siege of Troy. How was it at length 
subdued ? Give the particulars of an attempt, by Xerxes, 
king of Persia, to conquer Greece. How did he return to 
Persia ? What is ancient Greece, at present, under the con- 
trol of ? 

ROME. — By whom and when, was the city of Rome 
founded ? How was the city and empire governed, after the 
death of Romulus '? What ended regal government ? Instead 
of a king, what government had they ? For what were the 
Romans remarkable, anterior to the dictatorship of Juhus 
Csesar ? Give an account of the war between the consuls, 
Julius Caesar, and Pompey the Great, fifty years before Christ. 
What is observed of the emperors who succeeded Augustus ? 
How long did the Eastern Empire continue ? What was done 
by Charlemagne, about the year 800 ? 

CARTHAGE. — By whom and when, is Carthage gene- 
rally supposed to have been built ? Relate the circumstances 
of the first Punic war, B. C. 264. When did the second Punic 
war commence ? Give an account of the invasion of Rome, 
by Hannibal. How long did the war continue : and on what 
terms was peace concluded ? When commenced the third 
Punic war ? Wfeat was the determination of the Roman Se- 
nate ? How was this effected 1 

CHINA. — How far back can the history of the Chinese 
be traced ? What did the Chinese do, to defend themselves 
against the Tartars ? When did the Tartars pass the wall, 
and subdue China ? When were missionaries sent to China 
by the Pope? With what success did they meet ? What was 
the consequence of this suspicion ? What success in attempts 
%!0 form commercial treaties with the Chinese ? 



QUESTIONS. 275 

TART ARY.--W hat does this country include ? Who are 
the inliabitants descendants from ; and what is said of them ? 
To whom is the country subject ? 

HINDOSTJK— When, and by what nation, was India, 
within the Ganges, discovered ? What was the first curse to 
civil and religious liberty there ? When was the East India 
Company established ? 

FRANCE. — When and by whom, was France settled ? 
Who was their first king ? What was done by Charlemagne 
in the beginning of the ninth century ? In whose possessiou 
has the throne of France remained, since 987 ? Who was 
one of the greatest monarchs of France ? What is said of 
the reign of Louis XIV ? Relate the most important circum- 
stances of the French Revolution. Who was made emperor, 
in 1804? Give an account of the expedition of Bonaparte 
to Russia, in 1812 ? How did the expedition of 1813, termi- 
nate ? Who was placed on the throne of France ? What 
did Bonaparte do, in 1815 ? Where and by whom was he 
overcome ? What was done with him ? 

SPAIN. — By whom and when, was the kingdom of Spain 
founded ? When was it conquered by the Moors ? How 
was it divided ? When were the Moors expelled ? What 
did Spain become, from the abundance of its wealth ? What 
did Bonaparte do, in 1 808 ? Relate the circumstances of his 
war with the Spaniards. What was the king obliged to order 
in consequence of a revolt in the army, 1820 ? 

GERMANY. — By whom and when, was the German em- 
pire founded? Who became emperor, about a century af- 
ter ? From that time to the present, how has Germany been 
divided ? 

RUSSIA.— What was done by Peter the Great, at the close 
of the 17th and beginning of the 18th century? Why has 
Alexander, now on the throne, been styled the Deliverer of 
Europe ? 

ENGLAND. — In what year did Julius Caesar pass from 
France to the island of Great Britain ? By whom was it 
subdued soon after ; and how long did it continue under their 
government? What did the Scots and Picts do? What 
Avas done by the Britons ? What did these finally do ? How 
was the country then divided ? Under whose authority were 
the seven kingdoms united, 827 ? What did Alfred at length 
succeed in ? When did he die, and what is observed of him ? 
Who obtained the kingdom, 1017 ? By whom was England 
invaded and subdued, lo<36 ? Wh<? have ever since held tho 



276 QUESTIONS. 

throne of England? Name the number, succession, &c. ol 
the sovereigns of England, from William the II. to George 
the IV : together with their characters, and the most import- 
ant transactions during the reign of each. 

END OP THE Q.UESTIONS. 

[The foregoing are intended only as leading questions. 
Many others, as pertinent, will doubtless be suggested by the 
attentive instructer.] 



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